Trump says he faces big decision on Iran war ahead of Gulf leaders meeting

President Donald Trump said he is approaching a major decision on the future of the U.S. war with Iran, framing the choice as whether to pursue the "annihilation" of the Iranian regime or to hold back. In an interview with Axios published Thursday, Trump stated, "I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them the Iranian regime or do I not? Its a big decision. Anything could happen with me." The comments come as the conflict enters its seventh month and ahead of a planned meeting with leaders from six Gulf nations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York next Tuesday. Trump said he intends to consult with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman before determining his next steps. "I want to find out where they are and how they are doing. We have been very protective of them," Trump told Axios. The meeting is expected to focus on the next phase of the Iran conflict and potential postwar regional strategy. The Gulf states have been directly affected by the war, facing attacks on energy infrastructure and disruptions to key maritime shipping routes.