Trump considers restarting Iran operations, says Tehran hasn’t received ‘enough pain’ | Today’s news
U.S. President Donald Trump is considering launching a major new military operation against Iran that could include strikes larger than those carried out during “Operation Epic Fury,” Axios reported Thursday.
In a news interview, Trump said he was close to deciding on further action against Tehran, warning that Iran had not yet faced enough consequences.
“They haven’t had enough pain yet,” Trump’s news outlet quoted him as saying.
“I’m considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I’m close to a decision. We’re all ready for it,” Trump said.
Trump also hinted that Israel could join any future US military action against Iran, saying it would participate “within two minutes if I ask them to.” But he added that Washington would not need help to carry out the new operation.
The US president also warned that Israel’s involvement could have consequences and hinted that Iran could retaliate against Israel if it joins US strikes.
Citing two regional sources familiar with the mediation effort, Axios said Iran’s leaders had not accepted the latest proposal aimed at reducing tensions.
Tensions between the US and Iran are escalating
The remarks come at a time of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with both sides engaged in a widening confrontation that has raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
Trump’s comments also follow a series of warnings against Iran over attacks by Tehran-backed groups in the region. The US president has repeatedly stated that Iran will face consequences for actions that threaten US interests and allies.
US launches 12th night of Iran strikes as Trump threatens attacks on infrastructure
The US military carried out a 12th consecutive night of strikes on Iran as the conflict escalated, with both sides increasingly targeting infrastructure linked to civilian life.
US Central Command said the attacks were aimed at “further degrading Iran’s ability to threaten civilian seamen and commercial vessels” in regional waters as Washington seeks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore global shipping lanes.
President Donald Trump has warned Iran that any attack on ships in the strait would trigger US strikes on Iranian infrastructure.
“Whenever the Islamic Republic of Iran fires at a ship in the Strait of Hormuz…the United States will bomb and destroy ONE BRIDGE OR POWER PLANT,” Trump said in a post on social media.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi promised a strong response, saying any attack on Iran’s infrastructure would trigger an “eye for an eye” defense strategy.
The latest escalation comes as diplomatic efforts remain on hold. Iran has targeted energy facilities and desalination facilities in the Persian Gulf, while the US continues airstrikes on Iranian military sites.
The conflict has roiled global energy markets, with Brent crude rising above $93 a barrel as fears grow over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas supplies.
Iran has also launched missile and drone strikes targeting Jordan, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Meanwhile, Trump has warned that the US could attack Iran’s underground nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain and said Washington may take further military action if Tehran does not change course.
Despite ongoing efforts at backchannel diplomacy involving Pakistan and other regional players, officials say prospects for a ceasefire remain uncertain.
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