The latest
President Donald Trump is considering restarting major combat operations against Iran with an attack he described as “bigger than ever before,” potentially shifting the confrontation from limited strikes around the Strait of Hormuz into a broader regional war.
Trump said he was close to making a decision and that U.S. forces were prepared, while acknowledging that the operation would carry consequences. Two American officials confirmed that the White House had not made a final call and that the military had received no new orders.
The threat follows 12 days of escalating U.S. strikes intended to stop Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has shown no sign of backing down, while Iran-backed Houthis have opened another front by targeting Saudi ships in the Red Sea.
Details
- Scale: Trump said the potential offensive would be larger than the strikes conducted during Operation Epic Fury.
- Israel’s role: The president said Israel would join immediately if asked, but insisted Washington could carry out the operation alone.
- Retaliation risk: Trump warned that Israeli participation would have “consequences,” hinting at a direct Iranian response against Israel.
- Stalled mediation: Iran’s leadership has not accepted the latest proposal submitted by mediators, despite Trump’s claim that Tehran wants negotiations.
- Energy pressure: Oil prices have exceeded $100 a barrel, and a return to all-out war could send them significantly higher.
- Houthi threat: Trump vowed to hold Iran responsible for any new attacks on Red Sea shipping and threatened both Tehran and the Houthis with major military punishment.
Between the lines
Trump’s strategy is to inflict enough pain to force Iranian concessions before the escalation becomes uncontrollable. But continued Iranian and Houthi attacks suggest U.S. deterrence has yet to work, while a massive offensive could give Tehran a reason to expand attacks against Israel, American bases and Gulf states.
What to watch
The immediate question is whether Trump issues military orders in the coming days and which targets Washington selects. Iran’s response will determine whether the operation produces decisive negotiating pressure or opens a new phase of regional war.
