Exclusive: Trump "close" to decision on "massive attack" on Iran
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President Trump in the Oval Office earlier this week. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
President Trump told Axios on Thursday that he's seriously considering restarting major combat operations in Iran — including strikes that would be bigger than the ones carried out during Operation Epic Fury.
Why it matters: In a brief interview, Trump acknowledged that such a decision would have consequences and stressed he hasn't made a determination yet.
- Trump didn't give a deadline for his decision. Two other U.S. officials confirmed no call has been made and no new orders have been given to the military.
- The current escalation has caused oil prices to eclipse $100 per barrel. A return to all-out war is highly unpopular in the U.S.
What he's saying: "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," the president said.
- Trump said Israel "would join in two minutes if I ask them to," but added that "we don't need anybody" to launch a new operation against Iran.
- He also said there would be "consequences" for Israel joining the strikes, hinting at Iranian retaliation against Israel.
The big picture: Trump said the Iranians "want to negotiate" but are not ready to make a deal at the moment.
- "They haven't received enough pain yet," he said.
- Two regional sources with knowledge of mediation efforts said Iranian leadership hasn't accepted the latest proposal put forward.
- "We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful," one of them said.
Driving the news: The U.S. has been escalating its attacks over the past 12 days in an effort to stop Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
- So far, Iran hasn't shown any willingness to change course — it, too, has intensified attacks in the region.
- Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have started attacking Saudi ships in the Red Sea, exacerbating tensions in another critical oil shipping route and further destabilizing the global energy market.
- Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that if the Houthis fire again at ships in the Red Sea, "the U.S. will hold Iran responsible."
- The Houthis, he said, are an Iranian proxy and therefore "major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves."
What to watch: Separately, Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to attend the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's wake in Washington next week.
- "Relations with Bibi are very good. I would meet with him if he is here," Trump said.
