Trump said he is "close" to a decision on a "massive attack" on Iran
Kyiv • UNN
US President Donald Trump said he is close to a decision on a massive attack on Iran, larger than previous ones. He emphasized that Israel may join, but a decision has not yet been made.
On Thursday, US President Donald Trump told Axios that he is seriously considering resuming major combat operations in Iran, including strikes that would be larger than those carried out during Operation "Epic Fury," reports UNN.
Details
In a brief interview, Trump acknowledged that such a decision would have consequences and emphasized that he has not yet made a decision.
Trump did not set a deadline for his decision. Two other US officials confirmed that no call was made and no new orders were given to the military.
The current escalation has already caused oil prices to exceed $100 per barrel. A return to total war is very unpopular in the US.
"I am considering a massive attack. Larger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are fully prepared for this," the president said.
Trump said that Israel "will join in two minutes if I ask them to," but added that "we don't need anyone" to launch a new operation against Iran.
He also stated that Israel's joining the strikes would have "consequences," hinting at Iranian retaliatory measures against Israel.
Trump claimed that the Iranians "want to negotiate" but are not yet ready to reach a deal.
"They haven't received enough pain yet," he said.
Two regional sources familiar with mediation efforts reported that the Iranian leadership has not accepted the latest proposed offer.
"We are trying, but the Iranians are not helping," one of them said.
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The US has escalated its attacks over the past 12 days, trying to stop Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
So far, Iran has shown no willingness to change course — it has also intensified attacks in the region.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have begun attacking Saudi ships in the Red Sea, escalating tensions on another critical oil shipping route and further destabilizing the global energy market.
Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that if the Houthis fire at ships in the Red Sea again, "the US will hold Iran accountable."
According to him, the Houthis are Iranian puppets, and therefore "Iran and, of course, the Houthis themselves will face serious military punishment."