Trump Contemplates ‘Annihilating’ Iran as Conflict Enters Critical Phase

Trump weighs 'annihilate' Iran as war nears seven months. New polls show declining U.S. support for military action.

September 18, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Washington, United States — President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering whether to take extreme military action against Iran as the conflict approaches its seventh month with no resolution in sight.

Speaking to Axios on Thursday, Trump said, I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them or do I not? it is a big decision. Anything could happen with me. His remarks reflect continued intense rhetoric about the Middle East conflict, which he initially predicted would end within weeks but has instead settled into a prolonged stalemate.

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The war, which Trump claims is essential to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, has led to the deaths of 18 U.S. service members and wounded hundreds more, according to the Pentagon. Over 3,000 Iranians have died, per HRANA, a U.S.-based human rights organization. The conflict has also cost the U.S. $38 billion and contributed to rising fuel prices, with the average gas price in the U.S. now at $4.43 per gallon, up from $2.98 before the war began.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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