"We've knocked out their nuclear weapons. We still have to take care of one or two sites, but we can do that in 10 minutes," Trump said in Florida, citing Pickaxe Mountain, an underground complex. Iran denies nuclear work there. Trump said Washington is in no hurry because Iran is decimated. He called negotiations to end the war, begun by America and Israel, fine but Iranians unreliable. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump has not decided on fresh strikes, remains open to diplomacy, but can achieve military objectives. Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei Saturday warned America and Israel against an offensive. In his first reported meeting with commanders since taking power in March after his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes, he ordered Iran's target list expanded to all tangible and intangible assets of the American-Zionist enemy. He demanded any threat receive an immediate, geographically unrestricted response. Khamenei has not appeared publicly since assuming leadership.

Both sides link escalation to elections. Trump suggested action could follow U.S. midterms this week, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of an opportunity to topple Tehran. Israel voted Tuesday, with Netanyahu's bloc winning most seats but no majority, leaving formation uncertain. Democratic gains could constrain Trump. Energy markets are strained. Tehran restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, carrying one-fifth of oil, and threatened cables. State TV reported a ship struck a mine and burned, after Revolutionary Guards said three tankers suffered incidents or mines. The blockade spiked prices, raising unpopularity before voting. Diplomacy continues. Qatari mediators arrived in Tehran Friday, while Vice President JD Vance wrote security chief Mohsen Rezaei, who called the changed tone a good sign but has not replied. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no U.S. meetings are planned, with Qatar and Pakistan mediating without a  lasting deal. Rezaei insists the Hormuz blockade continues until demands including frozen assets are met. Spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned renewed war would engulf a wider area, while Araghchi declared no more red lines. (Bssnews)