Trump readies ‘massive attack’ on Iran as US military plans devastating strikes ‘bigger than ever before’
Donald Trump said on Thursday that he was close to a decision to greatly increase attacks on Iran as oil reached its highest price in two months and Tehran-backed Houthi rebels opened a new front in the Red Sea.
‘I’m thinking of making a big attack. “Bigger than ever” President I told Axios. ‘I’m close to making a decision. We’re all ready for this.’
Trump added that Iran wants a deal but does not yet feel “enough pain” for a proper negotiation.
He did not say when he would finalize his decision.
The President stated that Israel would participate in new attacks if requested, but that Israeli assistance was unnecessary.
Trump also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to attend Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral in DC next week and that he will meet with Netanyahu if he comes.
Oil prices rose above $100 per barrel for the first time since May 26 as the war escalated after the tenuous ceasefire between the United States and Iran ended.
The USA attacked Iran for 12 nights in a row.
The United States has strengthened its military presence around Iran by deploying a powerful B-1 bomber for the first time since the ceasefire ended, sending additional special operations forces to the region and sending 150 additional medics to a military hospital in Germany that treats wounded soldiers from the Middle East.
A photo of US forces in the Arabian Sea taken on June 30
Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for two attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea on Wednesday night, threatening a new disruption to the global energy supply chain.
Republicans, who argue that they have a slim majority in Congress, fear that rising fuel prices combined with an open-ended war could open up strong avenues of attack on Democrats in the midterm elections.
Some in the GOP on Capitol Hill have expressed skepticism about the war both publicly and privately.
According to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the cost of the war has already exceeded $37.5 billion.
Analysts warn that Houthi attacks could cut off Saudi Arabia’s alternative export route through the Red Sea.
European countries could be hit hard if the Houthis succeed in restricting Red Sea traffic, given the continent’s dependence on Saudi exports via this waterway.
Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries have already damaged European oil supplies.
