Trump says Iran 'haven't received enough pain yet' as he weighs massive new attack
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Thursday, July 23, that he is close to deciding whether to authorize a "massive attack" on Iran, arguing the country hasn't "received enough pain yet."
The remarks marked a sharp escalation in his rhetoric as tensions with Tehran continue. Even so, two US officials told Axios that Trump has not yet issued a military order or made a final decision.
Trump says he's close to new Iran attack
Trump made the comments during a brief interview with Axios reporter Barak Ravid, saying he was considering military action that would exceed the strikes carried out during Operation Epic Fury at the start of the campaign.
"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.
The president also voiced frustration with stalled diplomacy, saying Iran still wants negotiations but has not changed its approach.
"They haven't received enough pain yet," Trump told Ravid.
Despite Trump's warning, two US officials told Axios that no order has been given to the military and that the president has not made a final call on launching another round of strikes.
Ravid also reported that Trump did not offer a timeline for when he expects to make his decision.
Trump outlines Israel's potential role
During the interview, Ravid pressed Trump about whether Israel would participate if the United States launched another military operation against Iran.
Trump replied that Israel "would join in two minutes if I ask them to," while insisting the US military "don't need anybody" to carry out additional strikes.
His comments came as US military operations against Iran have intensified over the past 12 days following attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran continuing military actions across the region.
Trump warns Iran over Houthi attacks
Separately, Trump issued another warning on Truth Social, saying Iran would be held responsible if the Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched further attacks on ships in the Red Sea after threatening a blockade there.
Calling the Houthis an Iranian proxy, Trump warned that "major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis themselves."
His Truth Social warning echoed the message he delivered in the Axios interview, where he repeatedly signaled that larger military action remains under consideration even as administration officials stressed that no final decision has been made.
