'Blast And Finish Them Forever' Or 'Make Deal': Trump Floats Iran Options After Military Briefing

Last Updated:May 01, 2026, 23:16 IST

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had been presented with stark options during discussions with US Central Command officials.

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he is weighing two sharply different approaches toward Iran — a major military escalation or a negotiated settlement — following a briefing from senior defence officials on possible next steps in the conflict.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had been presented with stark options during discussions with US Central Command officials.

“Do we want to go and just blast the hell out of them and finish them forever — or do we want to try and make a deal? I mean, those are the options," he said, adding, “On a human basis, I’d prefer [a deal]."

He further added that while he would rather avoid large-scale military action, such an option remained on the table. “I’d prefer not to. That’s the option: do we want to go in there heavy and just blast them away or do we want to do something?" Trump said.

The comments came after a reported high-level briefing involving Brad Cooper, Pete Hegseth and General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

According to a report by Axios, the meeting focused on updated military plans related to Iran. Cooper, who leads US Central Command, is said to have presented multiple operational scenarios, including a “short and powerful" wave of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure if combat resumes. Other options reportedly included securing key maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz and special forces operations targeting sensitive nuclear-related sites.

Additionally, Trump also criticised a new Iranian proposal for renewed talks, saying he was not satisfied with Tehran’s position. Iranian state media had earlier reported that a draft proposal for negotiations was delivered via mediator Pakistan.

The war, triggered by a wave of surprise strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28, has been on hold since April 8 under a ceasefire. While active fighting has paused, diplomatic progress remains stalled, with only one unsuccessful round of direct talks held so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world 'Blast And Finish Them Forever' Or 'Make Deal': Trump Floats Iran Options After Military Briefing

Read More