WASHINGTON D.C (VINnews) – President Trump said Thursday he is seriously considering a major military operation against Iran that would be larger than previous U.S. strikes, telling Axios he is “close” to a final decision but has not yet made one.

“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 in a brief interview with Axios global affairs correspondent Barak Ravid.

Trump emphasized that such a move would carry significant consequences and stressed he has not reached a determination. He did not provide a timeline. Two other U.S. officials confirmed that no final decision has been made and that no new orders have been issued to the military.

The comments come amid ongoing U.S. strikes aimed at stopping Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded by intensifying its own attacks in the region. Oil prices have risen above $100 a barrel amid the escalation. A return to full-scale war remains highly unpopular among the American public.

Trump said Iran “wants to negotiate” but is not yet prepared to strike a deal. “They haven’t received enough pain yet,” he said. Regional mediators have reported that Iranian leaders have not accepted the latest proposal.

The president said Israel “would join in two minutes if I ask them to,” but added that the United States “don’t need anybody” to launch a new operation. He also noted there would be “consequences” if Israel participated, alluding to potential Iranian retaliation.

Separately, Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to attend the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s wake in Washington next week and that he would meet with him if Netanyahu is in town. “Relations with Bibi are very good,” Trump said.