Trump Says US Is Prepared for Major New Strikes on Iran
Trump Warns of Potential Massive Strike on Iran
US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Axios that he is evaluating the possibility of launching an attack “more big than ever” against Iran, exceeding even the military operations that began on February 28. [1] Trump informed that although the final decision has not yet been made, the US government is already prepared for a large-scale intervention. [1] He added that Israel would join quickly if asked, although he stressed that the United States does not need external support to carry out the operation. [1] Trump also noted that he sees willingness from Iran to negotiate a nuclear agreement to end the conflict, but assured that in his opinion Tehran is not yet ready to agree because “they have not yet suffered enough.” [1] During a meeting with journalists, Trump declared that Iran is not yet ready to conclude an agreement and that he has not decided whether to launch a major attack. [2] He added that the United States can continue to destroy Iranian infrastructure piece by piece or seek an agreement, but that Tehran is not yet ready for dialogue. [2]
Origins and Recent Breakdown of Ceasefire
The current war began after the United States and Israel launched operations against Iran on February 28. [1] The month before, the United States and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a ceasefire, free the Strait of Hormuz, and allow space for negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program. [1] Despite this diplomatic effort, the truce broke down and for two weeks both countries have exchanged attacks, worsening the situation. [1] Israel and the United States launched Operations Roaring Lion and Epic Fury on February 28 with the stated aim of creating conditions for regime change. [5] A ceasefire deal was announced on April 7 and went into effect on April 8. [5] Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed by an Israeli strike on a Tehran bunker, and Iran’s defense minister and several IRGC generals were also killed in the largest-ever aerial attack by the IAF. [5]
Houthi Attacks, Oil Prices, and US Threats
Trump threatened the Houthis of Yemen, allies of Iran, after missile and drone attacks against oil tankers in the Red Sea. [1] The value of the Brent barrel exceeded 100 dollars due to fear of the closure of oil trade in that strategic route, which led Trump to hold Iran responsible for the acts of the Houthis and warn that there will be “important military punishment” for both the Yemeni rebels and Tehran if the attacks continue. [1] Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia. [3] The Yemeni government condemns Houthi attack on commercial vessel in Red Sea. [4]
Israeli Warnings and Iranian Leadership Assessment
Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz stated in a security consultation that if Iran attacks Israel, “it will suffer a devastating blow.” [1] US intelligence agencies believe Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is more interested in acquiring a nuclear weapon than his father and predecessor was, according to a New York Times report. [5] The agencies assess that Mojtaba Khamenei is more interested in developing a nuclear weapon than his predecessor Ali Khamenei. [2] Iran has transferred some centrifuges to an underground complex under Pickaxe Mountain, which could be the first step to resume uranium enrichment. [2]
US Congressional Push to End the War
The US House of Representatives approved for the second time a symbolic resolution urging the president to stop the war in Iran. [1] The resolution came after the death of four US military personnel and the report of eighteen soldiers killed and nearly 100 wounded since the start of the conflict. [1] The initiative reflects the division in Congress and the use of the War Powers Resolution, a law that limits the president’s ability to order military actions without congressional approval. [1] During the vote, Democratic congresswoman Pramila Jayapal emphasized: “This war must end.” [1] Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer also warned about the intensification of the conflict under the Trump administration. [1] The war in Iran has already caused serious economic and military damage, with the US defense secretary Pete Hegseth stating that the conflict has so far cost 37.5 billion dollars. [2] Nearly 100 American soldiers have been wounded since July 7 in clashes with Iran. [2]
Regional Diplomacy Efforts Involving Pakistan and China
Pakistan is exploring a path toward a resumption of stalled US-Iran talks over ending their nearly five-month-old war, following a push initiated by China. [3] Exploratory discussions took place during a visit by Iran’s interior minister Eskandar Momeni to Islamabad this week. [3] Momeni met Pakistani government members and army chief Asim Munir. [3] Pakistan’s foreign minister Ishaq Dar also discussed the new effort with Chinese officials when he visited China last week. [3] China’s foreign ministry stated that China supports the mediation efforts made by Pakistan and other parties. [3] Beijing is Iran’s largest trading partner and primary buyer of its crude oil despite international sanctions on Tehran. [3]
What to watch next: Observers will monitor whether Trump decides to launch a larger attack, how the renewed exchanges of strikes evolve after the ceasefire breakdown, and whether Pakistan-mediated talks can advance amid Houthi actions and Chinese interests in reopening trade routes.
