President Trump said Thursday that he is seriously considering launching a major new military operation against Iran, including strikes larger than those carried out during “Operation Epic Fury,” Axios reported.

“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” Trump said. He did not provide a deadline, and two U.S. officials said no final decision has been made and no new military orders have been issued.

Trump said Israel “would join in two minutes if I ask them to,” but added, “We don’t need anybody” to carry out a new operation. He also acknowledged that Israeli participation could bring “consequences,” apparently referring to possible Iranian retaliation.

The president said Iran wants to negotiate but is not yet prepared to reach an agreement. “They haven’t received enough pain yet,” Trump said. Two regional sources familiar with mediation efforts said Iran’s leadership has not accepted the latest proposal presented to it.

The comments come as the United States has intensified attacks over the past 12 days in an effort to halt Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while the Houthis have begun targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. Trump has warned that any further Houthi attacks will bring major military punishment against both Iran and the Houthis.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)