Trump says Iran is failing badly, hints at military action

US President Donald Trump has said that Washington may take action against Iran, claiming that Tehran is in a dire situation militarily and economically, but offered no details about possible steps or a timeline.

Asked on Friday why a US response might be delayed until after the November 3 midterm elections rather than being carried out immediately, Trump said, “We may. We will see.”

“But I think that they’re failing badly. Their country is failing badly. Their military is defeated. They have no navy. They have no air force. They have 300% inflation, and Iran is in very bad shape,” he told reporters.

Trump did not elaborate on what action his administration might take against Tehran, according to an Anadolu report.

The United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile and drone attacks across the region and effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict, which has continued for more than seven months, has driven up global energy prices as commercial oil traffic through the strategic waterway has effectively ground to a halt.

A framework agreement aimed at halting hostilities and paving the way for negotiations was reached between Washington and Tehran in June following mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar.

However, the agreement could not be implemented after both sides developed differences, including over security and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.