US envoy suggests Iran strikes possible this weekend, Trump says he's unaware
US envoy suggests Iran strikes possible this weekend, Trump says he's unaware
US ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack says Washington could ‘absolutely’ strike Iran within days, as president says he knows nothing about it
Esra Tekin
23 October 2026•Update: 23 October 2026
ISTANBUL
US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack said the US could “absolutely” strike Iran as soon as this weekend, but President Donald Trump said on Friday he knew nothing about the possibility raised by his envoy.
“Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely,” Barrack, who also serves as US special presidential envoy for Syria and Iraq, said in an interview, clips of which circulated online Friday.
Asked by reporters about Barrack’s remarks and whether he had reversed his position on holding off on possible strikes until after the Nov. 3 midterm elections, Trump appeared surprised.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
The article never says that the US and Israel launched a war on Iran in February that is nearly eight months old, or that the strikes under discussion would be renewed strikes. Only the phrase 'holding off on possible strikes' hints at a history. A reader may take a weekend strike for a first US attack rather than a resumption.
How we know
- Common Dreams reported“Epic Fury, the war he and Israel launched in February”'We May Do Another Little Epic Fury,' Trump Says After Claiming Not to Know About Possible Strike on Iran (opens in a new tab)
- The Jerusalem Post reported“at a time when the war is nearing its eight-month mark”Trump says US may renew strikes against Iran, 'do another little Epic Fury' (opens in a new tab)
“That was my ambassador?” Trump asked.
“He’s a pretty powerful man, I guess. Well if that’s the case, I don’t know anything about it,” he added.
Left out here: Leaves out what changes the picture
The article ends Trump's part on his claim that he knew nothing about a strike. Other outlets report that later the same Friday Trump told a Florida rally the US 'may do another little Epic Fury'. Without this, a reader is left thinking Trump distanced himself from new strikes.
How we know
- Common Dreams reported“"We may do another little Epic Fury, or they'll agree," Trump told the crowd.”'We May Do Another Little Epic Fury,' Trump Says After Claiming Not to Know About Possible Strike on Iran (opens in a new tab)
- The Jerusalem Post reported“Washington may carry out another military operation against Iran”Trump says US may renew strikes against Iran, 'do another little Epic Fury' (opens in a new tab)
Barrack also outlined the Trump administration’s approach toward Iran, saying the objective was not regime change but a broader effort to reduce regional and international security threats.
“The consequence won’t be regime change. The president is interested in rebalancing so that there’s no hostages, no threats, and the world can calm down,” Barrack said.
He added that Trump remained open to reaching an agreement with Tehran while maintaining clear expectations for a potential deal.
Trump is “open and available and accessible to a deal, but he’s also been very clear about what he wants,” Barrack said.
Read the original article on aa.com.tr (opens in a new tab)