President Donald Trump told Fox News’ Trey Yingst Sunday morning that, regarding speculation of an imminent U.S. escalation in the Middle East, “very big things” would take place in the “not-so-distant future,” things that include ‘wiping Iran out” entirely.

Fears mounted Saturday night after Trump abruptly cut his weekend getaway in Maryland short and returned to the White House without explanation, a schedule change that came amid other signals that hinted at imminent U.S. military action. Yingst spoke to Trump by phone Sunday morning and was asked by Fox News’ “Fox & Friends Weekend” to provide viewers with the latest on the president’s thinking.

“[Trump] tells Fox News he's in a 'deciding mode' and that 'very big things' are going to be happening in the 'not-so-distant future,’” Yingst said.

“The president described the current choices on the table as 'wiping Iran out, letting them rot economically, or making a deal.’ He added, 'my question is, if and when do I blow the entire nation up, they better behave.'”

Fox News’ Charles Hurt pressed Yingst for more details.

“Can you give us any idea about what 'not-so-distant future' means?” Hurt asked. “Are we thinking hours, or we thinking days?”

Yingst said it was “not clear at this moment,” with Iranian officials reportedly preparing for the United States to resume hostilities.