Trump says he is close to deciding on larger strikes against Iran
President Trump told Axios he is considering a massive attack on Iran that would exceed past operations. He has not set a deadline or issued new military orders.
President Trump said he is close to deciding whether to launch a major attack on Iran that would be bigger than previous strikes.
In a brief interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump said, "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it." He added that he has not made a final determination.
Two U.S. officials confirmed that no decision has been made and no new orders have been given to the military. Trump did not provide a deadline.
Trump said Israel "would join in two minutes if I ask them to," but added that the U.S. does not need help to carry out an operation against Iran. He noted there would be consequences for Israel if it joined, pointing to possible Iranian retaliation.
The president said the Iranians "want to negotiate" but are not ready to make a deal. "They haven't received enough pain yet," he said.
Two regional sources familiar with mediation efforts said Iranian leaders have not accepted the latest proposal. One of them said, "We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful."
The U.S. has stepped up attacks over the past 12 days to stop Iranian strikes on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by increasing its own attacks in the area.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have begun attacking Saudi ships in the Red Sea. That has added pressure on another key oil route and further unsettled energy markets.
Oil prices have risen above $100 per barrel amid the escalation.
Trump posted on Truth Social that if the Houthis fire again at ships in the Red Sea, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible. He described the Houthis as an Iranian proxy and said major military punishment would be inflicted on Iran and the Houthis.
Separately, Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to attend the wake for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham in Washington next week. Trump said relations with Netanyahu are very good and that he would meet with him if he is in town.
Go Deeper
What exactly did Trump say about the possible attack?
He told Axios he is considering a massive attack bigger than past ones and that the U.S. is ready. Trump stressed he has not decided yet and gave no timeline.
Why are oil prices going up?
The recent U.S. and Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the new Houthi strikes in the Red Sea have raised fears about oil shipping. Prices topped $100 a barrel as a result.
What role do the Houthis play in this?
The Iran-backed rebels in Yemen have started hitting Saudi ships in the Red Sea. Trump said the U.S. would blame Iran for any further attacks and punish both the Houthis and Iran.
Has Iran shown any interest in talks?
Trump said the Iranians want to negotiate but need more pressure first. Regional sources said Iran has not accepted the latest proposal from mediators.
What did Trump say about Israel and Netanyahu?
He said Israel would join strikes quickly if asked but the U.S. does not need them. Trump added that Netanyahu plans to attend a wake in Washington and that he would meet him if he comes.
More politics
politicsTSA to Test Private Security Screenings at Three US Airports
The Trump administration is introducing a new program to privatize airport security screenings at three US airports. The program, called TSA Gold+, ai
Jul 29
politicsHouse Republicans Advance $95 Billion Reconciliation Package
House Republicans are pushing the Senate to advance their $95 billion reconciliation package, which includes funding for defense priorities and farm a
Jul 29
politicsTrump Orders US Military to Halt Strikes in Iran
President Trump directed the US military not to conduct new strikes in Iran on Friday, breaking a nearly two-week streak of daily attacks. The preside
Jul 29