He said negotiations had been ongoing for months but warned that continued threats against US allies and the Gulf region would trigger consequences
TBS Report
24 October, 2026, 08:00 am
Last modified: 24 October, 2026, 08:08 am
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack has said the United States could strike Iran as soon as this weekend, while stressing that President Donald Trump remains open to a diplomatic agreement.
Barrack, who also serves as Washington's point man on Syria, made the remarks during a podcast interview in the Gulf, saying the US could "absolutely" launch a strike against Iran within days, says Gulf News.
He said negotiations had been ongoing for months but warned that continued threats against US allies and the Gulf region would trigger consequences.
US rules out regime change
Barrack said potential US retaliatory action would not aim to overthrow Iran's government, citing concerns about the "day-two scenario" following such an operation.
His remarks differ from the position of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called for the removal of Iran's clerical regime following previous bombing campaigns and ahead of upcoming Israeli elections.
Trump downplays weekend strike possibility
Asked about Barrack's comments in Florida, Trump played down the possibility of an imminent strike, saying: "If that's the case, I don't know anything about it".
Trump has previously signalled that he could resume military action against Iran amid stalled diplomacy. However, he had indicated that major action would not take place before the US congressional elections on 3 November.
Iran warns of proactive attacks
Iran has responded to the threat of further US military action by warning that it could take a more aggressive approach to defence.
Revolutionary Guard spokesperson Hossein Mohebi announced the activation of what he called a "decentralised mosaic defence" doctrine, warning that Iran would no longer limit itself to proportionate responses and could take the initiative by launching attacks.
Tensions have also extended to potential disruptions to regional infrastructure, including Iranian threats against Gulf internet infrastructure and continuing friction around the Strait of Hormuz.