Vahid Online in English

Automated AI translations of Vahid Online reporting. Exported from the Telegram Channel. Original content also available on X/Twitter.

← Back to latest feed

23 Jul 2026, 15:43

Axios: Trump says he is 'close' to deciding on a 'massive attack' against Iran

Machine translation:
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, told Axios on Thursday that he is seriously considering resuming extensive military operations in Iran, including attacks that would be larger than the "Epic Fury" operations.

Why it matters: In a brief interview, Trump acknowledged that such a decision would have consequences and emphasized that he has not yet made a final decision.

Trump did not set a deadline for his decision. Two other American officials also confirmed that no decision has been made yet and no new orders have been given to the military.

The escalation of current tensions has already caused oil prices to rise above $100 a barrel. A return to full-scale war is highly unpopular in the U.S.

What he says: The U.S. President stated, "I am considering a massive attack; bigger than any attack that has ever been done. I am close to making a decision. We are fully prepared for it."

Trump said Israel "will act within two minutes if I ask them," but added that they "do not need anyone" to start new operations against Iran.

He also mentioned that Israel's involvement in these attacks would have "consequences" and implicitly referred to the possibility of Iran retaliating against Israel.

The big picture: Trump said the Iranians "want to negotiate," but are not ready for an agreement at the moment.

He stated, "They haven't suffered enough pain yet."

Two regional sources familiar with mediation efforts said that Iranian leadership has rejected the latest proposal.

One of them said, "We are trying, but the Iranians are not cooperating."

News focus: The U.S. has intensified its attacks over the past 12 days to stop Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

So far, Iran has shown no signs of willingness to change course and has also intensified its attacks in the region.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have begun attacking Saudi ships in the Red Sea; an action that has escalated tensions in another vital oil transport route and further destabilized the global energy market.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that if the Houthis fire at ships in the Red Sea again, "the United States will hold Iran responsible."

He stated that the Houthis are Iran's proxy forces and therefore "heavy military punishment will be imposed on Iran and of course on the Houthis themselves."
What to watch: Trump separately mentioned that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, intends to attend a farewell ceremony for the late Senator Lindsey Graham in Washington next week.

Trump said, "The relationship with Bibi is very good. If he is here, I will meet with him."
axios

📡 @VahidOnline

Mapped locations (6)

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors