Trump hints at possibility of war with Iran, dodges questions about talks with Russian president

Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, has not dismissed the possibility of military conflict with Iran, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East.

When asked about the potential for war with Iran, Trump did not offer a definitive answer, instead suggesting that all options remain on the table, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

His comments come amid growing instability in the region, particularly following the collapse of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime on December 8, which has empowered rebel factions once affiliated with al-Qaeda. This shift further complicates the Middle East and poses additional challenges for Iran, which has already faced setbacks in Lebanon and Gaza.

Some analysts warn that Iran’s diminished position could push the regime closer to pursuing nuclear weapons, especially after Trump’s 2018 withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. As of April, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported that Iran possesses enough weapons-grade uranium to build a bomb within weeks.

Tehran’s proxies, alongside its own forces, have also increased their attacks on US assets in the region, heightening the risk of direct confrontation. While Trump has previously touted his avoidance of new conflicts during his first term, he left the door open to the possibility of war in a second term, stating, "Anything can happen."

In a separate part of the interview, Trump also refused to address questions regarding his interactions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. When asked if he had spoken with Putin after the US elections, Trump responded, "I can't tell you, I can't. It just wouldn't be right." 

By Vafa Guliyeva