Trump Considers Major Escalation of Military Strikes Against Iran Amid Ongoing Conflict

Amid growing frustration over the prolonged conflict with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has convened a high-level meeting to decide whether to significantly escalate military attacks against the Islamic Republic. The discussions, reported by the New York Times on July 24, 2026, focus on expanding the conflict in the Gulf region, with one key target under consideration being the heavily fortified underground nuclear site at Mount Makuh, where Iran has relocated centrifuges to protect them from airstrikes.

Intelligence assessments suggest that Iran has reinforced the area with ground forces, anticipating a possible U.S. ground operation. The White House is weighing a range of operational options, with Trump expressing readiness for a "massive, bigger than ever" strike and stating he is "close to making a decision." This escalation consideration follows months of fighting without resolution and renewed Iranian attacks, including a strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz and assaults on U.S. bases in the Middle East that killed four American soldiers.

U.S. intelligence also indicates that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is more inclined than his father Ali Khamenei to advance a nuclear weapons program, which bolsters support within the administration for intensifying military pressure. However, officials note that much of the intelligence predates the current war. Despite the collapse of a fragile ceasefire, there is no current evidence that Iran has resumed nuclear weapons development, though it maintains some nuclear infrastructure and enriched uranium stockpiles.

In a notable development, Trump hinted that Israel might not participate in the upcoming escalation, warning that Israeli involvement could provoke Iranian retaliation against the country. This statement comes just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled visit to Washington, where he is expected to discuss the conflict with Trump. The U.S. president also expressed doubt about the viability of returning to negotiations with Iran following the ceasefire breakdown.

The situation remains volatile, with the Iranian leadership appearing more hardline and willing to endure significant military and economic costs. The decision by the White House could mark a turning point, potentially expanding the conflict to a more dangerous phase.