Former President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of a "massive attack" on Iran, stating the country has "not received enough pain yet" and is not ready for a deal. The remarks come as Iran has rejected a cease-fire proposal and tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate.
Iran has claimed responsibility for attacks on Gulf states, citing retaliation for U.S. strikes. These claims follow a series of explosions near a military base in northern Iraq on Friday, reportedly occurring after the U.S. military concluded its 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran.
The recent surge in hostilities includes actions by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have targeted Saudi ships in the Red Sea. This disruption threatens the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint. A halt in shipping through this strait could lead to significant global economic consequences. Brent crude oil prices already surpassed $100 a barrel on Thursday for the first time since May, with potential for further increases if the conflict escalates.
Trump had previously warned that the U.S. would hold Iran responsible for any further Houthi attacks and threatened "major military punishment" against both Iran and the Houthis.