Trump says he is 'close to making a decision' on massive attack on Iran, in N12 interview

President Donald Trump has signaled a potential shift toward a significantly more intensive military campaign against the Iranian regime. Speaking to diplomatic correspondent Barak Ravid for N12 on Thursday evening, the President stated that he is weighing a "massive attack" on Iran, characterized as being larger in scale than any prior U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic. "I am close to making a decision," Trump noted during the exchange.

Context of the Confrontation

This statement comes amid an active and direct kinetic war between the United States and Iran that has intensified throughout July 2026. Following the collapse of the 'Islamabad' memorandum and the subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. has maintained a sustained air campaign against Iranian strategic infrastructure. This has included strikes on missile facilities and sites adjacent to Iran's nuclear program. Trump's latest comments suggest that the administration may be moving beyond the current retaliatory framework toward a broader strategic offensive.

Analysis and Strategic Implications

The President's rhetoric, while consistent with his recent public warnings, introduces a new level of specificity regarding the scale of planned operations. By framing the potential strike as "larger than anything that has been done before," the administration appears to be signaling a readiness to target high-value assets that have thus far remained outside the primary strike zones. Reports earlier this month indicated that the U.S. had already expanded its target list to 24 locations, including underground facilities.

Outlook for the Region

If the President proceeds with this decision, it would mark the most significant escalation in the Persian Gulf since the formal reinstatement of the naval blockade. The Zioneer Intelligence Desk continues to monitor reports regarding the potential participation of regional allies and the specific nature of the targets under consideration. For now, the situation remains in a high-readiness state as the White House weighs the operational timing of such an escalation.