In a recent interview with Fox News, former President Donald Trump addressed the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, characterizing his potential approach to the nation as having three distinct paths. Trump stated that the U.S. could choose to "obliterate" Iran, allow the country to "rot economically," or pursue a negotiated deal to end the current conflict.

During the discussion, Trump explicitly called on Tehran to "behave," framing the demand as a prerequisite for stability. Despite the aggressive nature of the options presented, Trump also signaled a willingness to engage in diplomacy. He indicated that he would be open to meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The comments come as international observers monitor potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy regarding the Middle East. While Trump’s rhetoric included threats of total destruction and economic strangulation, his stated openness to a meeting with the Iranian leadership suggests a dual-track approach that balances hardline pressure with the possibility of direct dialogue. The Iranian government has not yet issued a formal response to these specific remarks, and it remains unclear if a meeting between the two leaders will materialize during the UN summit.