Trump Considers Massive Military Strike on Iran Amid Rising Tensions

US President Donald Trump told Israeli journalist Barak Ravid in a brief phone interview on July 23, 2026, that he is seriously considering launching a large-scale military operation against Iran, potentially bigger than previous actions like Operation Epic Fury. Trump emphasized he is close to making a final decision but has not yet done so, and no new military orders have been issued. He acknowledged the significant consequences such a move would entail and noted that Israel could join the strikes within minutes if requested, though he stressed the US does not need Israeli involvement to proceed. Trump also warned of repercussions if Israel participates, implying Iranian retaliation against Israel.

Trump described Iran as wanting negotiations but not yet ready to make a deal, stating "they have not felt enough pain." Regional sources involved in mediation efforts confirmed Iran has not accepted the latest proposals and is not cooperating. The US has escalated attacks on Iran over the past 12 days to halt Iranian assaults on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran has continued its aggressive posture. Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have intensified attacks on Saudi ships in the Red Sea, further destabilizing a key oil shipping route and global energy markets.

Trump also declared on his Truth Social account that the US holds Iran responsible for any future Houthi attacks on Red Sea vessels and warned of severe military punishment for both Iran and the Houthis. Regarding Israeli-US relations, Trump said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to attend Senator Lindsey Graham's memorial in Washington next week and that their relationship remains very good, with Trump open to meeting Netanyahu if he is in the city.