After Qeshm Strikes, Trump Threatens to Hit Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain Within an Hour

US President Donald Trump renewed his threats against Iran’s Pickaxe Mountain site, saying Washington could carry out a strike within an hour. His remarks came shortly after US forces struck Iran’s Qeshm Island.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said Iran still possessed some missiles and drones, but its ability to produce more was extremely limited. He maintained that Washington was negotiating with Tehran “from a position of absolute strength” and might have to strike Pickaxe Mountain within an hour if necessary.

Trump said Tehran was in a weak negotiating position and its economy was collapsing. Nevertheless, he insisted that the Iranians were eager to reach an agreement and that there was a “very good chance” of securing one. He described a deal, if possible, as the best option for saving lives.

In a Truth Social post on the eve of the midterm elections, Trump said oil prices had fallen by about $10 a barrel, describing it as the largest single-day decline in oil market history. He linked the fall to market expectations that the war with Iran would not continue, insisting that Tehran wanted a settlement as soon as possible.

Oil prices, however, quickly rose again after US forces struck positions on Qeshm Island.

US Vice President JD Vance had earlier said Washington and Tehran had made some progress in their discussions. He noted that Trump retained military and non-military options and said both were highly optimistic about reaching an agreement, provided Iran committed not to rebuild its nuclear programme.

The remarks come amid talks with Qatari mediators in Doha. Iranian negotiators left the city after a proposed framework was drawn up and circulated for consideration. Trump continues to refuse to rule out renewed strikes, while reports describe Israeli pressure for a large-scale air campaign after the elections.