Donald Trump is publicly asking whether it is time to blow Iran off the map.
The president told Fox News’ Trey Yingst on Sunday that he is in a “deciding mode” as Iran, Houthi forces and Gulf security threats push the region toward a wider conflict.
“My question is if and when do I blow the entire nation up? They better behave,” Trump said.
Trump described the choices in front of him as “wiping Iran out, letting them rot economically or making a deal.”
The president said “very big things are going to be happening in the not-so-distant future” and described diplomacy as harder because “some of the officials are hiding like rats.”
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
Those comments put the Iran crisis over Trump’s United Nations General Assembly week, where Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is also expected to be present.
Trump said he would be willing to meet Pezeshkian, while the United States approved visas Thursday for Iran’s “core delegation.” The State Department said the decision was “consistent with our host country obligations.”
The possible diplomacy comes while American-linked aircraft, ships and personnel are being pulled closer to the violence.
🎓Help millions think clearly and communicate with power through Hillsdale College’s free “Classical Logic and Rhetoric course! 🎓 Expand education for liberty and equip the next generation ➡️➡️➡️ TAKE THE FREE COURSE NOW!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
At least two U.S. MQ-1 drones have been shot down by Iran in recent days, though officials have not released the crash locations or identified the MQ-1 variant involved.
Yingst’s sources said a U.S.-contracted vessel near the Strait of Hormuz was also hit by Iran this week. One projectile struck the ship, leaving people aboard with minor injuries, including “U.S. personnel.”
Iran-backed Houthi forces pushed the fighting toward Saudi Arabia on Saturday, when Saudi officials said an attack aimed at Riyadh was intercepted before any confirmed injuries or damage.
Some residents heard a blast and later saw smoke near the airport, while NBC News reported that the coalition said additional attempts against Yanbu, Taif, Baysh and Farasan failed.
Houthi forces claimed without proof that they had struck sensitive Riyadh locations and set Aramco facilities on fire. The Riyadh attempt was the first aimed at the Saudi capital since the fighting intensified.
Americans in the region were warned by the U.S. Mission in Iraq after Iranian-supported Houthis carried out hostilities against Saudi Arabia, including civilian airports.
The security alert said the conflict could widen quickly and told travelers to prepare for canceled flights, closed airspace and other disruptions.
The State Department has also urged Americans to reconsider travel to the region, warning that missile and drone activity has been hitting cities, airports, infrastructure, energy sites and military bases.
Even with Trump warning Iran about possible catastrophic action, the United States has not entered direct combat in the Houthi fight.
The Hill reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pressed Trump to strike the Houthis, but Trump declined and agreed instead to provide intelligence and advisers to help Saudi Arabia identify targets.
Trump told Axios ahead of a Tuesday meeting with Gulf leaders at the U.N. that he wanted to see “where they are and how they are doing.”
“We have been very protective of them,” Trump said.
The Houthi assault also brought Trump back from Camp David earlier than planned.
A White House pool report from USA Today said Trump’s schedule was changed so he could return to Washington on Marine One on Saturday evening, landing at the Ellipse before a 7 p.m. ET press gathering.
Official weekend guidance had originally kept Trump at the Maryland retreat until Sunday afternoon.
Trump is also scheduled to meet New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at the mayor’s residence Monday before the U.N. General Assembly.
Mamdani, asked last week about meeting with Trump, said the two had continued conversations about New York City both in person and by phone.
“That is a conversation that has been done in person, it’s been done over the phone, and it will continue so long as either of us have the ability to deliver for the city,” Mamdani said.
Trump’s Iran comments came alongside other security-heavy announcements heading into the U.N. week.
On Sunday, Trump said his proposed 250-foot triumphal arch would double as a monument and a “top grade Military Complex.”
“At the strong request of the United States Military, and for National Security purposes, I have agreed to convert the magnificent Triumphal Arch…into a top grade Military Complex/Triumphal Arch,” Trump wrote.
The structure, he said, would house and store large numbers of drones, allow their rapid use, place snipers on the roof and plaza areas, and hold “large quantities of sniper ammunition in storage.”
“There will be no facility like this anywhere in the World,” Trump said.
The arch is planned for Memorial Circle on Columbia Island, between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery.
Project materials from the Department of the Interior said the monument would “celebrate the triumphs of the American people, inspire patriotism and love of country, and beautify our nation’s capital.”
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced Sept. 3 that the administration was preparing to begin excavation work for the “Great Triumphal Arch and Military Observation Deck.”
Judge Tanya Chutkan later ordered the administration to provide 48 hours’ notice, and up to 14 days for larger actions, before construction or major excavation begins.
House Democrats introduced a May bill to block the arch and require congressional approval for similar structures on National Park Service land in the capital region.
Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), who co-led the bill with Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), said it would reach other federally owned places, “specifically national parks.”
Trump also announced Friday that the United States would have “permanent control over security” in Greenland after reaching a deal with Denmark.
In a Truth Social post, Trump said the agreement gives the United States the “complete ability to do what is necessary in Greenland” and prevents American adversaries from establishing bases or making “sensitive investments” there without U.S. approval.
“For over 100 years, Presidents have known the strategic importance of Greenland, but NONE of them were able to do anything about it,” Trump said. “I am proud to be the President that permanently and conclusively addressed this very important situation. This is an ‘Infinite Life’ Agreement, there is no end!”
Trump said the United States would build a large military presence across Greenland, with Greenland contributing to development and construction.
“We will be very protective of it!” Trump wrote. “This is a dream come true for the United States of America, one that is very important, historic, and special.”
