US Could Bomb Iran Again on Sunday, American Ambassador to Türkiye Says

The United States could launch fresh military strikes against Iran as early as Sunday, October 25, US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack has said, raising the prospect of renewed hostilities amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking in an interview with online commentator Mario Nawfal, Barrack was asked whether the United States could carry out another strike against Iran over the weekend.

“Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely,” Barrack replied, indicating that further military action remained a possibility despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement with Tehran.

Barrack, who also serves as US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Syria and Iraq, made the remarks during a visit to the Gulf region. Although he is not directly responsible for Iran policy, his comments have drawn attention because of the possibility of a renewed US military campaign.

However, President Trump appeared to distance himself from the ambassador’s remarks when questioned by reporters on Friday. Asked whether the United States could strike Iran over the weekend, Trump expressed surprise that his ambassador had made the statement.

“That was my ambassador?” Trump asked, before adding, “If that’s the case, I don’t know anything about it.”

Trump’s response left uncertainty over whether a new military operation was being actively considered for the immediate future or whether Barrack was describing a broader possibility under the administration’s Iran policy.

Despite the prospect of further attacks, Barrack stressed that the Trump administration remained open to a negotiated settlement. He said the president was willing to reach an agreement with Tehran, but Washington expected Iran to address its concerns over regional security and nuclear activities.

Barrack indicated that the negotiations involved issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, the unfreezing of Iranian assets and the possibility of ending military engagements.

He said the United States was prepared to negotiate an arrangement that could reduce tensions and provide greater security for American allies in the region.

“The president is very clear. He’s open and available and accessible to a deal, and we’ve been at the table for months and months and months,” Barrack said.

The ambassador also sought to clarify that Washington’s objective was not to overthrow Iran’s government. He said the administration was instead seeking to reduce threats to the United States, its allies and regional security.

Barrack warned that continued threats against the United States and its partners would have consequences, while questioning the long-term implications of pursuing regime change in Iran.

Trump has also indicated that the United States could undertake another military operation against Iran if diplomatic efforts fail to produce an agreement.