US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is approaching a major decision over whether to resume large-scale military operations against Iran.

Axar.az reports, citing Axios, that Trump said he wants to hear directly from the regional leaders about the next steps in the conflict. He declined to say whether he would make a decision on the war before or after the US midterm elections.

"I want to find out where they are and how they are doing. We have been very protective of them," Trump said.

“I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It's a big decision. Anything could happen with me,” Trump added.

Trump’s comments came ahead of a planned meeting with leaders of six Gulf countries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The participating countries are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

According to Axios, Trump has held off on resuming major combat operations since early August, while the US has continued sanctions against Iran, a naval blockade and efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

US officials told Axios that Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have ordered US forces in the Middle East to maintain their current level through the end of the year in preparation for a possible return to full-scale combat.

Trump also said Iran remains in direct contact with the United States and that Tehran still wants to reach a deal.