President Donald Trump warned Thursday he’s close to ordering a “massive attack” on Iran “bigger than ever before” — and the regime hasn’t felt enough pain yet to accept his terms.
“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” Trump told Axios in an interview that sent shockwaves through the Middle East.
“I AM CONSIDERING A MASSIVE ATTACK. BIGGER THAN EVER BEFORE. I AM CLOSE TO MAKING A DECISION. WE ARE ALL SET FOR IT.”
The president made clear Iran has expressed interest in negotiations but won’t budge on Washington’s demands. His assessment: the regime “hasn’t received enough pain yet.”
Trump added that Israel would join a new round of strikes “in two minutes” if he requested participation — but emphasized the United States doesn’t need additional military help to execute a broader campaign.
The U.S. has entered its second week of intensified strikes against Iranian military infrastructure following attacks on commercial shipping. CENTCOM has sustained pressure while the Pentagon reinforces capabilities across the region, preparing for the expanded operation Trump is weighing.
Two senior U.S. officials told Axios no new military orders have been issued and the president hasn’t yet directed expanded offensive preparations. But Trump’s public warnings — combined with the ongoing military buildup — make clear the White House is ready to act if diplomacy collapses.
Iran’s Houthi proxies just gave Trump another reason to strike.
Earlier Thursday, the president warned Iran would be held directly responsible after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeted two Saudi vessels in the Red Sea.
“A year ago the United States of America attacked, very powerfully, the Houthis, for their interference with commerce and trade, by shooting at ships,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Since that time, and during our conflict with Iran, they have acted very responsibly.”
“Unfortunately, now they are starting up again, shooting at two Saudi Arabian ships last night,” he continued. “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.”
Trump later posted that “any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto” would be paid for using Iranian funds under U.S. control.
“These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do,” Trump wrote.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio escalated the rhetoric Thursday, declaring “the President’s policy is a head for an eye” — a direct response to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s threat that Tehran would pursue an “eye for an eye” approach.
Rubio said Iran was “paying the price” for repeatedly backing away from negotiated understandings. He argued the Houthis had been “snookered” into broadening the conflict on Tehran’s behalf.
Diplomatic contacts remain active despite the escalating military pressure. Trump confirmed Iran wants to negotiate but maintained the regime hasn’t accepted the latest U.S. proposal. Regional sources told Axios Iranian leaders have yet to agree to the framework currently under discussion.
Araghchi blamed Washington for the impasse, calling the U.S. negotiating approach “irrational, excessive, and domineering.”
Israel is watching closely. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Thursday the country is prepared “for every possibility” and warned that if Iran attacks Israel, it would suffer “a crushing blow.”
Trump expressed confidence in his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying “Relations with Bibi are very good. I would meet with him if he is here.”
The president insisted no final decision has been made — but his warnings, the sustained U.S. strike campaign, the military buildup, and fresh threats over Houthi attacks make clear the White House is preparing for a significantly broader confrontation if Iran refuses to negotiate seriously.
U.S. forces started another night of strikes against Iranian military targets at 6:45 p.m. ET today. This is the 13th consecutive night of strikes aimed to hold Iran accountable and diminish threats from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to commercial shipping.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 23, 2026
"They are starting up again… 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" – President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/aGLaW6C4nw
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 23, 2026
