Trump weighs Iran deal as reports cite strike readiness

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is weighing a negotiated deal with Iran or further military action, while reports citing unnamed officials say U.S. forces could be ready to act after an order. Whether Trump will authorize strikes, and when, remains uncertain. In an interview with Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, Trump described the choice as whether to make a deal or “finish them off,” and said a decision was approaching. On October 25, he also told reporters there would be no strike that day. A report citing unnamed U.S. officials said American forces in the Middle East could conduct a major operation in Iran within four days of receiving a presidential order. The officials said action was considered most likely after the U.S. midterm elections on November 3, though it could occur before the end of the year. Those assessments reflect accounts from officials familiar with military planning, not a publicly announced decision by Trump. The Pentagon said its role is to develop and execute military options ordered by the president. Trump has also suggested that military action could resume after the elections, but no order or settlement was reported. An Israeli security...