Exclusive: Trump says he is close to deciding on a “major attack” against Iran

- Axios reporter Barak Ravid

President Trump told Axios on Thursday that he is seriously considering resuming large-scale combat operations against Iran; including attacks that could be larger than those carried out during “Operation Crimson Calm.”

Why it matters: In a brief interview, Trump acknowledged that such a decision would have consequences and stressed 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 and no new orders have been given to the military.

Escalation of the current conflict has, so far, pushed the price of oil above $100 per barrel. Returning to a full-scale war in the U.S. is highly unpopular.

What Trump says: The president said: “I am considering a major attack. Bigger than anything else. I’m close to making a decision. We are fully prepared for it.”

Trump said Israel “will be in there within 2 minutes if I ask them,” but added that “we don’t need anyone to start new operations against Iran.”

He also said that if Israel joins the attacks, there will be “consequences,” and hinted at an Iranian response against Israel.

The bigger picture: Trump said Iranians “want to negotiate,” but that they are not ready for a deal right now.

He said: “They haven’t felt enough pain yet.”

Two regional sources familiar with mediation efforts said that Iran’s leadership has not accepted the latest proposal that was put forward.

One of them said: “We are trying, but the Iranians are not cooperating.”

What has happened: Over the past 12 days, the United States has intensified its attacks in an effort to stop Iran’s attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

So far, Iran has shown no sign of changing course, and the country itself has increased its attacks in the region.

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have begun attacking Saudi ships in the Red Sea; an action that has increased tensions along another critical oil-transit route and further destabilized the global energy market.

On his Truth Social account, Trump wrote that if the Houthis fire again at ships in the Red Sea, the United States would “hold Iran responsible.”

He said the Houthis are an Iranian proxy force and that therefore “there will be major military retaliation against Iran and, of course, against the Houthis themselves.”

What to watch: Trump also said that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, plans to attend next week’s memorial ceremony in Washington for the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump said: “My relationship with Bibi is very good. If he is here, I will meet with him.”