President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he is nearing a decision to launch a significant escalation of attacks against Iran, describing the potential action as "massive" and "bigger than ever before." He indicated that Iran has not yet experienced sufficient consequences to engage in meaningful negotiations.
"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump told Axios. He added that while Iran desires a deal, it needs to feel "enough pain" to negotiate effectively.
The President suggested that Israel would participate in new strikes if requested, though he deemed their assistance unnecessary. Trump also mentioned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might attend Senator Lindsey Graham's wake in Washington D.C. next week and that he would meet with Netanyahu if he attends.
The potential escalation follows 12 consecutive nights of U.S. strikes on Iran. The U.S. has increased its military presence in the region, deploying a B-1 bomber and additional special operations forces. The military has also sent 150 medics to a hospital in Germany that treats personnel wounded in the Middle East.
Oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time in two months amid the escalating conflict and the collapse of a fragile ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. Simultaneously, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for two attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, raising concerns about further disruptions to the global energy supply chain.
Analysts warn that Houthi attacks could impede Saudi Arabia's alternative export routes through the Red Sea, potentially impacting European countries heavily reliant on these shipments. These developments occur as Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have already constrained European oil supplies.
Republicans in Congress expressed concerns that rising fuel prices and an extended conflict could provide Democrats with potent talking points in the upcoming midterm elections. The cost of the war has already exceeded $37.5 billion, according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.