Trump Faces Big Decision on Iran Attacks or Deal as Conflict Nears Seven Months

President Donald Trump says he faces a major decision over whether to resume large-scale attacks against Iran or pursue an end to the nearly seven-month conflict. He is expected to consult leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman at the United Nations General Assembly on regional security, energy markets and a possible postwar strategy. Trump has claimed Iran remains interested in a deal and that there has been direct contact, although formal negotiations reportedly stalled after an interim agreement collapsed in June. The conflict has widened to include attacks by Iran-backed Houthi forces on Saudi Arabia and threats to shipping near the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz; a tanker was reportedly struck, and Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it detained a vessel. Former counterterrorism chief Joe Kent urged Trump to withdraw vulnerable U.S. forces, offer sanctions relief and access to frozen assets to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and avoid escalation, while critics argued that pressure without a clear political objective would not produce lasting change.