US Could Strike Iran This Weekend — Envoy

The United States could launch fresh military strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack has said, amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Barrack made the remark on Friday during an interview with online commentator Mario Nawfal, when asked whether a US strike could happen over the weekend.

“Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely,” Barrack said.

He stressed, however, that US President Donald Trump remained open to reaching a diplomatic agreement with Iran, adding that negotiations had continued for months.

Barrack, who also serves as the US special envoy for Syria and Iraq, said Washington was seeking an agreement addressing Iran’s nuclear programme, uranium enrichment and broader regional security concerns.

He also referred to possible arrangements involving the release of frozen Iranian assets, sanctions relief and an end to military engagements.

According to Barrack, the Trump administration was not pursuing regime change in Iran but wanted to address what it considers threats to the United States, Israel and other regional allies.

His comments came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, including disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route, and continuing disagreements over Iran’s nuclear activities.

The remarks also followed reports that US and Israeli military officials had developed options for renewed operations against Iran, raising concerns about a possible escalation of the conflict.

However, the White House had previously stated that the United States would not resume attacks on Iran before the November 3 US midterm elections. The administration has also maintained that diplomatic discussions with Tehran remain an option.

Barrack’s comments therefore indicate that the possibility of military action remains part of the public discussion, but they do not constitute confirmation that President Trump has authorised a strike.

The situation remains uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue and regional tensions persist.