President Donald Trump told Axios on Thursday evening that he is seriously considering a decision to return to intense fighting against Iran and is close to a decision, according to the report. The statement follows earlier remarks in which Trump said he was considering a massive attack on Iran and that Israel would join if asked.
President Donald Trump told Axios on Thursday evening that he is "close to a decision" on returning to intense fighting against Iran, according to the report. The statement is the latest in a rapid succession of escalating remarks from Trump today.
The day's developments began at 18:24 Jerusalem, when Axios reporter Barak Ravid reported that Trump told him he is considering a "massive attack" on Iran, larger than anything before. At 18:34, ynet reported that Trump said Israel would join if he asks. Additional reports, all published around 18:23 Jerusalem, added that the potential strike would be larger than Operation Epic Fury (Roaring Lion), the massive joint U.S.-Israel operation from February 2026. The new Axios report adds the distinct framing of a return to "intense fighting" rather than a single massive strike, and confirms the president is nearing a final decision.
The statements come amid a sustained U.S. military campaign against Iranian targets. As The Zioneer reported on July 1, Trump has held high-level discussions on resuming full-scale war to "finish the job." On July 9, Axios reported that Trump believes the temporary ceasefire with Iran has ended, signaling the start of the battle for the Strait of Hormuz. On July 15, a source told i24NEWS that Trump is examining how to intensify strikes on Iran, and Axios reported that he convened a Situation Room meeting on plans for a large-scale attack.
It remains unclear what form the potential escalation would take, or whether a decision has been made. The reports do not specify a timeline, operational targets, or whether the president has finalized his plans. The statements are attributed to Trump's interviews and have not been independently confirmed by official U.S. channels.
7 developments
- StrongIsraeli assessment: Trump to significantly escalate strikes, warns of Iranian retaliation
- StrongTrump says he is 'close to making a decision' on massive attack on Iran, in N12 interview
- DevelopingTrump warns Israel against further retaliation, says Iran signaled willingness to pause attacks if Israel reciprocates
- StrongUS officials: Trump's expanded Iran strikes would be far more powerful, Israel likely to join
Source and signal
- Open-source intake