President Donald Trump said he is considering a military strike against Iran that would be larger than any previous US action against the country. Speaking to an Axios correspondent, Trump stated, "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it."
Trump indicated that Israel would participate in such an operation if requested, but stressed that the United States could conduct the strikes independently. He argued against pursuing negotiations at this time, saying the Iranian regime has not "received enough pain yet."
Separately, Trump warned that Iran would face direct accountability if Houthi forces resume attacks on commercial shipping. He noted that a year prior, the United States had attacked the Houthis over interference with maritime commerce, and that they had since "acted very responsibly" Until recently shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships.
Trump issued a stark warning on his Truth Social platform: "Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, in that the Houthis are a Surrogate and/or Proxy of Iran, and major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis, themselves, who I am very disappointed with in that they have, until now, acted very professionally and smart."