President Donald Trump indicated he is seriously considering a larger-scale military operation against Iran, potentially bigger than previous strikes, as U.S. forces completed a 13th consecutive night of attacks on Iranian military targets.
In an exclusive interview, Trump told Axios: “I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it.” He stressed he has not yet made a final determination and acknowledged there would be consequences.
U.S. Central Command confirmed the latest round of strikes (the 13th consecutive night) targeted Iranian military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites, and maritime capabilities. The operations are aimed at diminishing threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices settled above $100 a barrel amid the escalation and related attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on ships in the Red Sea. Iran has claimed retaliation against U.S. and allied assets in the region and has not accepted recent ceasefire proposals.
Congress has recently debated war-powers measures related to the conflict, with the House passing a resolution to limit presidential authority while similar efforts stalled in the Senate.