Trump Considers Expanding US Military Campaign Against Iran Amid Ongoing Strikes

US President Donald Trump is leaning toward broadening American military operations against Iran following several days of briefings from senior officials, according to American sources cited by The Wall Street Journal on July 12, 2026. Options under consideration include expanding airstrikes, deploying ground forces to seize Iranian islands near the Strait of Hormuz, and attacking a fortified site suspected of hosting covert nuclear activities. These developments come amid ongoing US attacks and signals from Trump that Washington may intensify its campaign if Tehran refuses to agree to a deal.

Simultaneously, Bahrain's Interior Ministry reported activating alarms nationwide and explosions on Kharg Island, indicating heightened regional tensions. Speaking at a security and innovation conference in Pennsylvania, Trump described the situation as "hotter than ever" and claimed significant success against Iran. He stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran is not happy right now," and when asked if he might eliminate the Revolutionary Guards as he did ISIS, he responded affirmatively, adding, "We'll see what happens."

Trump revealed that Iran contacted the US shortly before his speech, expressing a desire to meet, though he emphasized that negotiations with the Revolutionary Guards have been difficult for decades. He criticized former President Barack Obama for strengthening Iran by releasing $1.7 billion in cash and additional funds, which Trump said encouraged Iran's nuclear ambitions. Trump asserted that US strikes, including a B-2 bomber attack about a year ago, have severely degraded Iran's military capabilities, estimating an 88 to 90 percent reduction in drone, rocket launcher, and missile stockpiles.

Despite the damage inflicted, Trump acknowledged that Iran remains dangerous but suggested the military pressure is pushing Tehran toward a deal. "They want to reach an agreement," he said, noting the nightly attacks and recent daytime strikes. He concluded that the US campaign should have started decades ago, stating, "Other presidents should have done what was right a long time ago. It would have made everything much easier."

Trump left open the possibility of either reaching a settlement or decisively ending the conflict, saying, "They really want a deal. We'll see if we get one or just finish it once and for all."

Summary: President Donald Trump is considering expanding US military actions against Iran, including airstrikes and ground operations, amid ongoing attacks and regional tensions. He claims significant damage to Iran's military capabilities and suggests Tehran is pressured toward a deal, while leaving open the option of a decisive military conclusion.

Points: - Trump is weighing expanded US military operations against Iran, including airstrikes and ground forces. - Bahrain reported alarms and explosions amid rising regional tensions. - Trump claims US strikes have degraded 88-90% of Iran's drone and missile capabilities. - Iran contacted the US seeking talks, but Trump remains skeptical about negotiating with the Revolutionary Guards. - Trump criticized Obama for empowering Iran and insists the US campaign should have started decades ago. - The president says Iran wants a deal but may face decisive military action if negotiations fail.

Topic: security

Entities: {"people":["Donald Trump","Barack Obama","Dan Cane"],"organizations":["Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps","US Central Command","Bahrain Interior Ministry"],"places":["Iran","Strait of Hormuz","Kharg Island","Bahrain","Pennsylvania"]}