The United States could launch military strikes against Iran as early as this weekend, a US envoy has warned, amid escalating tensions between Washington, Tehran and Israel.
Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy on Syria, disclosed this possibility on Friday during an interview with podcast host Mario Nawfal.
Asked whether the United States could attack Iran before the end of the weekend, Barrack responded affirmatively, indicating that military action remained a possibility despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
However, he stressed that President Donald Trump remained open to reaching a negotiated agreement with Tehran, noting that discussions had continued for several months.
“Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely,” Barrack said.
He added that Trump remained committed to diplomacy and was willing to engage with Iran to secure a deal.
The warning comes amid renewed threats from Washington and Israel, raising concerns about the possibility of another military confrontation in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently intensified his rhetoric against Iran, repeatedly expressing determination to bring down the country’s clerical leadership. His latest remarks follow two major bombing campaigns against Iran since last year.
Trump has also indicated that he could consider resuming military strikes after diplomatic efforts reached a prolonged deadlock. However, he had earlier suggested that further attacks would not take place before the November 3 US congressional elections.
Despite the possibility of renewed military action, Barrack said the United States was not seeking to overthrow Iran’s government, distancing Washington’s position from Netanyahu’s stated ambitions.
“If you keep threatening the world, our allies, the Gulf, there will be a consequence. The consequence won’t be regime change,” Barrack said.
He reiterated that Trump was not interested in pursuing regime change in Iran, arguing that removing a government without a clear plan for what follows could create further complications.
“The problem with regime change always is, what’s the day-two scenario?” he asked.
Iran has remained a major adversary of the United States and Israel since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which overthrew the pro-Western monarchy led by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
Barrack’s comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s next move, as diplomatic engagement continues alongside increasingly forceful warnings from both the United States and Israel.
While the envoy’s remarks suggest that military action could occur within days, they do not confirm that a strike has been authorised or that a final decision has been made.
Source: AFP
