Trump Warns of ‘Massive Attack’ as He Meets Top Advisers on Iran Military Action

WASHINGTON, July 24: US President Donald Trump met with senior advisers and Cabinet officials on Friday to discuss the possibility of expanding military action against Iran, as his administration reassesses its strategy following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire and the breakdown of negotiations over a long-term nuclear agreement, The New York Times reported.

The meeting comes after Trump suggested that the United States could launch a major new military operation against Iran. In an interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump said he was considering “a massive attack” and added that he was close to making a decision.

“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.

Trump also indicated that Israel may not participate in any further escalation, warning that there could be “consequences” for Israel, apparently from Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington next week for discussions expected to include regional security developments.

The US president has repeatedly described the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran as a brief “excursion,” but the conflict has continued for nearly five months, with tensions escalating across the region.

The latest escalation followed the collapse of the ceasefire after Iran launched a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, followed by additional maritime strikes. The United States responded by resuming attacks on Iranian targets and reinstating a military blockade of the strategic waterway.

Over the past two weeks, Iranian attacks targeting US interests, including a strike on a military base in Jordan, have killed four American service members, according to the report.

Despite repeated warnings from Trump of possible intensified bombing campaigns, Iran has continued its attacks. US officials reportedly believe Iran’s current leadership is more hard-line than previous leaders targeted in earlier US-Israeli operations.

Although Iran is facing economic pressure and damage to parts of its military infrastructure, its leadership appears prepared for a prolonged confrontation with Washington, the report said.