Donald Trump Says He’s in ‘Deciding Mode’ on Iran, Warns of ‘Very Big Things’ As Tehran Sends 7 Conditions
President Donald Trump said he is in 'deciding mode' regarding Iran, warning 'very big things' could happen while remaining open to meeting President Masoud Pezeshkian at the UNGA. Meanwhile, Tehran sent seven terms to the US via Qatar, demanding an end to the naval blockade and the return of frozen funds, while warning regional US allies against aiding strikes.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday, September 20, signalled that Washington was weighing its next move in the conflict with Iran, saying he was in “deciding mode” and warning that “very big things” could happen soon. His remarks come as regional tensions intensify and Tehran confirmed it had passed a seven-point list of conditions to the United States through Qatari intermediaries to restart negotiations and ease naval friction in the Middle East.
Trump, speaking in a reported conversation with Fox News, outlined three distinct policy paths under consideration: “wiping Iran out”, allowing the Iranian economy to “rot”, or reaching a negotiated settlement. While maintaining a combative stance, he also issued a stark warning to Tehran, stating, “My question is, if and when do I blow the entire nation up? They had better behave”. Iran Sets 7 Conditions for US Talks: What Are Tehran’s Demands To End War?
Donald Trump Says He’s in ‘Deciding Mode’ on Iran
BREAKING: President Trump told Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent @TreyYingst that he is in a “deciding mode” and "very big things" are going to happen in the near future regarding the US-Iran war.
Trump said, "My question is, if and when do I blow the entire nation up? They… pic.twitter.com/JcAXh9QN84
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 20, 2026
Openness to Meeting With Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian
Despite the sharp rhetoric, the US president addressed the prospect of direct diplomacy with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is scheduled to visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Asked whether he would meet Pezeshkian during the diplomatic summit, Trump said he would “probably be open” to holding talks with him. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Pezeshkian is travelling with a senior Iranian delegation and plans to conduct several sideline meetings with foreign counterparts at the UN session. US-Iran War: JD Vance Says Conflict Will Enter ‘Much Different Phase’ After Midterm Elections.
Trump also touched on regional security dynamics involving Yemen’s Houthi movement following recent ballistic missile launches directed toward Saudi Arabia. The US president noted that Washington remains in contact with the group, adding that the Houthis had agreed not to target US personnel.
Iran Relays Demands via Qatari Mediators
From Tehran, senior Iranian officials confirmed that the country had laid down seven specific conditions to Washington as a prerequisite for resuming talks.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator, confirmed on Sunday that the terms had been transmitted through diplomatic channels. His statements followed remarks by Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who told Al Jazeera that Qatar had officially relayed Iran's position to US officials.
According to Rezaei, Tehran’s demands center on an immediate halt to hostilities across all fronts, the unfreezing and return of blocked Iranian sovereign funds, and the complete lifting of the naval blockade choking the region's shipping routes.
Iran Warns Regional Allies Against Facilitating US Action
Alongside diplomatic messaging, Iran’s central military command issued a stern advisory to regional neighbors. Iranian defense authorities claimed to have obtained intelligence suggesting the United States was preparing an impending military operation against Iranian territory, allegedly with backing from several Middle Eastern nations.
The Iranian military warned governments supporting American assets that they would be regarded as direct parties to what it termed “mischief,” cautioning that regional partners should not expect any restraint or leniency from Iran’s armed forces in the event of renewed conflict.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2026 11:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
