US Could Strike Iran by End of This Week, Says Ambassador Tom Barrack

ISTANBUL:US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack has said that the United States could launch an attack on Iran by the end of this week, while President Donald Trump remains open to an agreement and negotiations with Tehran.

His remarks come amid escalating threats from Washington and Israel. Following a prolonged diplomatic deadlock, President Trump has indicated the possibility of renewed strikes against Iran. However, he has previously said that the United States would not launch such an attack before the November 3 congressional elections.

Speaking on a podcast, Barrack said that Washington and Tehran had been engaged in discussions for several months. He warned that Iran’s threats against the United States, its allies and Gulf countries would have negative consequences.

The US ambassador said that any American military action would not be aimed at regime change in Iran. According to Barrack, President Trump is not interested in changing Iran’s government but instead wants to restore the regional security balance.

Barrack also questioned the viability of regime-change strategies, pointing to the uncertainty surrounding what would happen immediately after a government was removed.

Meanwhile, _The New York Times_ reported two days ago that the United States and Israel had prepared plans for renewed large-scale attacks on Iran following the US midterm elections.

Earlier, US broadcaster CNN had also reported on plans within the Trump administration for possible military action against Iran.

Despite the reported military preparations and escalating rhetoric, Barrack’s remarks indicate that diplomatic negotiations remain a possible option for resolving tensions between Washington and Tehran.