WW3 fears rise as Trump considers ‘blowing up’ Iran

WW3 fears rise as Trump considers ‘blowing up’ Iran Iran's highest operational military headquarters has claimed it has intelligence suggesting the US is planning to resume attacks on the country. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Ciaran McGrath , Senior News Reporter 08:06, Mon, Sep 21, 2026 Updated: 08:08, Mon, Sep 21, 2026 US President Donald Trump (Image: Getty) Donald Trump has warned he could “blow the entire nation up” as fears grow that the conflict with Iran could erupt into a devastating new phase. The US President said he was now in “deciding mode” after Tehran’s military was placed on high alert amid claims that Washington is preparing to resume strikes. Mr Trump has repeatedly threatened to bring the war to a decisive end with a devastating attack, but no such assault has yet materialised. Instead, the US and Iran have continued trading occasional strikes around the Strait of Hormuz , with neither side appearing to have achieved a decisive breakthrough. However, the latest threats have raised the prospect of a dramatic escalation almost seven months after the start of Operation Epic Fury. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Man, 82, dies after horror sun lounger brawl at popular beach in Greece Putin humiliated on 'sham' election day as Ukraine pummels Moscow with huge strikes Get the latest news from around the world and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Donald Trump claims Iran won't be able to 'go much longer' Iran’s highest operational military headquarters has claimed it has intelligence suggesting the US is planning to resume attacks on the country. Tehran is also believed to have put its military on high alert in anticipation of possible American strikes. Mr Trump fuelled the tension during an interview with Fox News on Sunday, saying: “Very big things are going to be happening in the not-so-distant future.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT He said three options were on the table: “Wiping Iran out, letting them rot economically or making a deal.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Mr Trump then added: “My question is if and when do I blow the entire nation up?” Iran has vowed to retaliate against American bases across the region if the President follows through with further attacks. Tehran has also threatened to abandon any “restraint or decency” towards neighbouring countries that support US military action against Iran. The danger extends beyond Iran itself, with the conflict already threatening to pull other countries and armed groups into a wider regional confrontation. Get top stories from The Express sent straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been fighting Saudi Arabia in Yemen, while the group has also expanded its presence along the Red Sea coast. A senior Houthi official, Mohamed al-Bukhaiti, said the group had assured the Trump administration it would not attack US vessels in the Red Sea. But he warned countries against joining Saudi Arabia in Yemen’s renewed civil war. The Houthis fired a ballistic missile towards the Saudi capital over the weekend, adding to fears that the conflict could spread across multiple fronts. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is due to stop in Qatar before travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Tehran has said it is waiting for a US response to conditions it has put forward for ending the war, including an end to fighting on all fronts, the release of Iranian assets seized by Washington and an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. CIA director John Ratcliffe has also travelled to Egypt for talks with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. The Egyptian leader expressed support for a deal to resolve the Iranian crisis and restore freedom of navigation, while rejecting aggression against Arab countries. The US has meanwhile issued security warnings to Americans across the Middle East, citing the “potential for unforeseen escalation”. Americans in the region were urged to exercise “heightened vigilance” amid warnings of possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and travel disruption. The US virtual embassy in Iran issued an even stronger warning, telling American citizens: “Do not travel to Iran for any reason. US citizens should leave Iran now.” With Tehran on high alert and Mr Trump openly weighing an attack, the next move threatens to determine whether the conflict remains contained or spirals into a far wider Middle East crisis. Donald Trump Middle East Iran Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments