Trump warns Iran's leadership won't last long without the right decision

US President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Iran's government on October 1-2, 2026, telling reporters in Texas that its leadership would not last long if they failed to make the right decision. The White House broadcast the remarks live.

Iran deal could come before November elections

"We'll take care of it one way or another. Either they make the right and smart decision, or they simply won't last long," Trump stated. He suggested a potential resolution of the Iran standoff could occur either shortly before or after the US midterm elections scheduled for November.

Trump recalled that both the US and Israel had previously eliminated senior Iranian officials, while also stressing that he wants current Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to remain alive for the sake of any future negotiations. "We're trying to treat their current president well," he said.

Background: US-Iran tensions

Trump earlier expressed confidence that the US would win the conflict with Iran "very soon" and described the possibility of new military strikes before the November midterms as "possible." Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been rising over Iran's nuclear programme and military activities in the region.