President Trump said Thursday he will soon decide whether to launch another round of major strikes on Iran. "I would rather not destroy the rest of the country if possible, but maybe I'll have to," he said.
3 options are under review: new strikes, economic pressure, or a deal.
Central Command is finalizing preparations but has no new order.
Iran sent a nuclear proposal to the U.S. through Qatar Thursday.
25 years: Trump's estimate of how long Iran needs to rebuild its economy.
Why it matters: Trump had ruled out major strikes before Tuesday's midterms. Republicans then lost both chambers of Congress.
Trump said higher fuel prices from the war hurt Republicans.
Vice President JD Vance blamed the war for the losses and favors diplomacy.
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Political Bias
Coverage by lean% of 16 sources
16 sources · 20 articles · 44% Right coverage
Where they split: Coverage divides over whether the midterm result is a mandate to end the war or a political cost Trump accepts to stop an Iranian bomb.
Center coverage, 6 sources: The center sees a president weighing escalation after an election defeat, with Democrats and Vance pressing to end the war.
