U.S. President Donald Trump said that he is seriously considering a major military operation against Iran that would be larger than previous U.S. strikes. He told Axios he is close to making a final decision but has not decided yet.
In an interview with Axios global affairs correspondent Barak Ravid, Trump said he is considering a massive attack that would be larger than any previous operation. He said everything is ready, but no final decision has been made.
Donald Trump said such an operation would have significant consequences and stressed that he has not reached a final decision. He did not say when a decision might be made. Two U.S. officials also confirmed that no final decision has been made and that the military has not received any new orders.
His comments came as the United States continued carrying out strikes aimed at stopping Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by increasing its own attacks in the region. The escalating tensions have pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel, while a return to full-scale war remains unpopular with the American public.
Trump said Iran wants to negotiate but is not yet ready to reach an agreement. He said Iran has not experienced enough pressure. Regional mediators have also reported that Iranian leaders have not accepted the latest proposal.
The president said Israel would join the operation within minutes if he asked, but added that the United States does not need any country’s support to launch a new military operation. He also said there would be consequences if Israel took part, referring to the possibility of Iranian retaliation.
In separate remarks, Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to attend the wake for late Sen. Lindsey Graham in Washington next week. He added that he plans to meet Netanyahu if he visits the nation’s capital and said his relationship with the Israeli leader remains very good.
