US President Donald Trump renewed his threat of military action against Iran on Sunday, saying Washington might have to "give them the hammer," even as diplomatic efforts continued to avert another escalation. "The only reason why I'm not finished with Iran is I want to be nice. I want to try and save all those lives if I can," Trump told supporters at a rally in Iowa. "But at some point we're going to have to give them the hammer," he added.
Trump had previously told reporters that the US still had one or two targets left to strike in Iran, suggesting further military action could be imminent. He specifically mentioned Pickaxe Mountain, a suspected underground nuclear facility, in Isfahan province. His latest remarks came amid uncertainty over negotiations aimed at preventing renewed US and Israeli attacks on Iran, following the outbreak of the conflict on Feb. 28. US media reported that Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday about talks with Tehran and the possibility of further military escalation.
According to Axios, Netanyahu was pushing for an immediate strike after Tuesday's US midterm elections, while Trump favored allowing more time for diplomacy.
Anadolu Agency reports Trump's renewed threat to strike Iran accurately and attributes his claims and the Axios report of his call with Netanyahu. It names the US and Israeli attacks on Iran and calls Pickaxe Mountain only a suspected nuclear site. Its one weakness is that Iran never speaks: the article mentions diplomacy but gives no Iranian response, which other outlets carried the same day.
One side gets the space
Minor
“even as diplomatic efforts continued to avert another escalation”
Why this matters
The words "diplomatic efforts continued" tell the reader that talks are under way. The article then fills every sentence with Trump and Netanyahu and gives no Iranian voice.
The impression it gives
A reader learns what Washington and Israel want, but not what Iran says about the threat or about the talks.
The context
Coverage of the same day carried Iran's response. The Iranian army warned that a new war could last longer. The foreign minister said Iran hoped the other side would choose diplomacy. Iran's security chief confirmed receiving a letter from JD Vance. None of this appears.