US President Donald Trump said he is close to deciding on a Trump Iran strike after renewed attacks on shipping in the Red Sea pushed regional tensions and oil prices higher.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said he is close to deciding whether to launch a major military strike against Iran, raising fresh concerns about a wider conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking to Axios, Trump said he was considering “a massive attack” that would be larger than previous US strikes carried out during recent tensions with Tehran.
“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it.”
Trump acknowledged that such a move would have serious consequences but stressed that no final decision had been made. He also claimed Israel would join the operation if requested, although he added that the United States did not require additional military support.
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The comments came after Iran-backed Houthi fighters targeted two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating concerns over the safety of key global shipping routes. The attacks have added to fears of disruptions to energy supplies, sending Brent crude oil prices above $100 a barrel once again.
Hours after Trump’s remarks, the United States carried out another round of airstrikes on targets in Iran. Iranian state media reported explosions near the Strait of Hormuz, including in Qeshm and Bandar Abbas, as well as in Tehran and the country’s north-west. The latest operation appeared similar in scale to previous US strikes during the current escalation.
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The growing conflict has prompted international concern. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the Middle East was moving towards “the edge of the unimaginable”, urging all sides to avoid further escalation.
Several countries have also taken precautionary steps. The United Kingdom has temporarily withdrawn diplomatic staff from Iran, while Germany announced it would redeploy two naval vessels from the Red Sea. The US State Department has advised Americans in the region that travel disruptions, including flight cancellations, remain possible.
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In a separate development, Trump said future US support for Saudi Arabia’s civilian nuclear programme would depend on the kingdom normalising relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords. Saudi Arabia has previously maintained that progress on Palestinian statehood remains a key condition for such a move.
As uncertainty continues, markets, governments and shipping companies are closely monitoring developments. Analysts warn that any further escalation following a Trump Iran strike decision could have significant consequences for regional security, global trade and energy prices.
