US President Donald Trump said he is seriously considering restarting major combat operations in Iran, including strikes that would be bigger than those carried out during Operation Epic Fury, in an interview with Axios on Thursday.
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"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump said.
Trump acknowledged that such a decision would have consequences and stressed he has not made a determination yet. Two US officials confirmed no call has been made and no new orders have been given to the military.
Trump also added that 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.
The Iranians "want to negotiate" but are not ready to make a deal at the moment according to Trump's statements. "They haven't received enough pain yet," he said.
Two regional sources with knowledge of mediation efforts said Iranian leadership has not accepted the latest proposal put forward. "We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful," one of them said to Axios.
The US has been escalating its attacks over the past few days in an effort to stop Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz but Iran has been steadfast in their response against them.
Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have also initiated a blockade and have started attacking Saudi ships in the Red Sea, exacerbating tensions in another critical oil shipping route. Trump has warned that if the Houthis fire again, "the US will hold Iran responsible" and "major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and the Houthis."
