Tom Barrack Warns of Possible New U.S. Strike on Iran Over Weekend

Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy to Syria and Iraq, warned of a possible new American strike against Iran during the upcoming weekend. In remarks made during a Friday podcast, Barrack responded affirmatively when asked about the likelihood of a U.S. attack on Iran this week. He noted that the former U.S. president had been very clear in his stance, offering multiple opportunities for an agreement, but Tehran used the Strait of Hormuz as a bargaining chip. He also emphasized that the U.S. administration no longer focuses on "regime change" and has been open to dialogue at various stages. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated that he would not attack Iran before the midterm congressional elections, telling reporters before departing for Florida, "We can end the war with Iran very quickly." He added that Iran is facing economic collapse due to inflation and lack of funds, questioning whether to deliver a decisive blow or let it wither gradually as long as objectives are met. These statements came amid heightened preparations in Israel, Iran, and the United States in anticipation of a new round of strikes. Trump also stated last night that the war with Iran will end soon, saying at a campaign rally in Iowa: "I don't care much how the war ends, but it will definitely end very soon." Iran, for its part, threatened to expand its responses if attacked again, potentially targeting various sites including undersea internet cables. Since the conflict began, Iran has restricted navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, vital for global energy supplies, while the U.S. has imposed a tight blockade on Iranian ports. Control over navigation in the strait has become a major point of tension between Tehran and Washington, with Iran insisting on supervising the passage route under its terms, which the U.S. and several other parties reject.