Trump seeks fresh strikes on Iran ahead of midterm elections

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 8 Oct, 15:31 · Archive

The White House has asked the Pentagon to draw up options for strikes on Iran before next month's midterms.

The White House has asked the Pentagon to draw up options for strikes on Iran that could be launched before next month's midterm elections. Trump's initial comments about Iran destroying US cities sparked backlash, though the White House said he was speaking about the threat a nuclear-armed Iran could pose.

At rallies in Nebraska and Texas, Trump said: 'Let them take out Los Angeles; let them take out San Diego.' At the Texas rally, he added that he would 'never' allow Tehran to attack the United States, saying 'We protect our cities; we protect our country.' The White House later clarified that Trump was addressing the threat a nuclear-armed Iran could represent.

California Democrats condemned the remarks. Governor Gavin Newsom posted on social media that Trump is 'deranged and dangerous', while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the President had 'suggested that a foreign government attack Los Angeles'. Trump's favorability numbers have sunk since strikes began in February, with Democrats now favoured to take back the House and with a chance to regain the Senate.

How it is being reported

• Trump doubles down and asks if supporters want a ‘horror show’ from Iran: ‘Let them hit a missile into San Diego’Trump’s initial comments about Iran destroying US cities sparked backlash, though the White House said that he was speaking about the threat a nuclear-armed Iran could poseIndependent World · 8 Oct, 14:37
• Trump weighs unleashing fresh strikes on Iran BEFORE midterms - sending oil prices skyrocketingThe White House has asked the Pentagon to draw up options for fresh strikes on Iran that could be launched before next month's midterms.Daily Mail · 8 Oct, 14:15
• Trump weighs huge strike on Iran to show voters bold display of US power before crucial midterm elections, report saysThe President's favorability numbers have sunk since the strikes began in February, with Democrats now favored to take back the House and with a chance to regain the Senate.Daily Mail · 8 Oct, 01:59

In this story: Donald Trump · Iran · Pentagon · Gavin Newsom · Karen Bass · Los Angeles · San Diego

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem