President Donald Trump said he is close to deciding whether to authorize an attack exceeding the scale of Operation Epic Fury as Iran continues resisting negotiations and threatening commercial shipping.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
President Donald Trump said Thursday that he is nearing a decision on a substantially expanded military attack against Iran, warning that Tehran has not endured enough pressure to compel it to negotiate or halt attacks on international shipping.
Trump said the proposed operation would surpass Operation Epic Fury in size and intensity, although he emphasized that no final authorization had been issued. American forces are already positioned to carry out the offensive if he gives the order.
“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.
The president said the United States possesses sufficient military power to conduct the operation without assistance from another country. Israel would participate almost immediately if requested, he said, but its involvement would not be necessary for the campaign to proceed.
“Israel would join in two minutes if I ask them to,” Trump said. “We don’t need anybody.”
Trump acknowledged that Israeli participation could provoke additional Iranian retaliation, increasing the potential consequences of a broader offensive. U.S. officials said military preparations were continuing across the Middle East but confirmed that the president had not yet issued a final order.
The possibility of a larger attack follows nearly two weeks of intensified American strikes intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has continued resisting diplomatic efforts while commercial ships operating in and around the strategic waterway have faced repeated attacks.
Trump said Iran had not demonstrated sufficient willingness to reach an agreement despite the growing military and economic pressure.
“They haven’t received enough pain yet,” he said.
The Pentagon has expanded its regional force posture to give the president additional options. Special operations personnel, fighter aircraft, long-range bombers, aerial refueling planes and medical teams have been deployed or placed on increased alert, The Wall Street Journal reported.
That buildup would allow the United States to conduct a wider range of strikes, sustain longer operations and respond more quickly to Iranian retaliation against American personnel, bases or allies. It also comes as the conflict spreads beyond the Strait of Hormuz and places another major international shipping route at risk.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels recently claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising concerns that maritime traffic could face simultaneous threats near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz. Disruptions at both chokepoints could interfere with oil shipments and commercial trade while placing additional pressure on global energy prices.
Trump responded earlier Thursday by warning that Tehran would be held directly responsible for future Houthi attacks. In a Truth Social statement, he described the Houthis as an Iranian surrogate or proxy and promised “major military punishment” against both the group and Iran if attacks on shipping continued.
The administration has argued that Iran’s support for armed groups throughout the region makes Tehran accountable for attacks carried out by those forces. Trump’s warning indicated that future Houthi operations could become grounds for direct American strikes against Iranian targets rather than retaliation limited to Yemen.
The expanding campaign has prompted concern among some Republican lawmakers about the length and financial cost of the war. Administration officials have maintained that continued military pressure is necessary to protect international shipping, defend U.S. forces and allies and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said Tehran has shown little genuine interest in reaching a lasting settlement, strengthening the administration’s argument that diplomacy must be backed by continued military action.
Trump nevertheless left open the possibility of negotiations if Iran changes its position. His comments made clear, however, that the White House is prepared to escalate significantly if Tehran continues attacking shipping and rejects efforts to end the conflict.
With American forces reinforced across the region and preparations reportedly complete, the decision now rests with Trump as he weighs whether another round of strikes can force Iran toward an agreement or lead to an even broader confrontation.
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