U.S. could strike Iran this weekend, envoy says
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack suggested in a podcast interview that the United States could strike Iran as early as this weekend, citing the need for consequences regarding regional threats. President Donald Trump distanced himself from the comments, stating he had no knowledge of such plans, while emphasizing that his administration is not seeking regime change in Iran.
Why it matters
The conflicting statements between a U.S. envoy and the President highlight potential volatility in Middle East policy and uncertainty regarding U.S. military intentions toward Iran ahead of upcoming elections.
U.S. could strike Iran this weekend, envoy says left U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack. File AP AP https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/rbsszz/article71617956.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/Lebanon_US_56231.jpg BILAL HUSSEIN U.S. Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack meets with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the government palace in Beirut, Lebanon, Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) "Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely," Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and point man on Syria who does not have a direct role on Iran, told podcast host Mario Nawfal Jerusalem The United States could strike Iran as soon as this weekend, a U.S. envoy said Friday (October 24, 2026), after mounting threats by both Washington and Israel. "Could there be a strike this weekend? Absolutely," Tom Barrack, the U.S.
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