President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he is seriously considering a large-scale military operation against Iran, warning that potential strikes could exceed past actions as tensions mount over freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and recent tanker attacks in the Red Sea.
President Donald Trump indicated in a brief interview that Washington is weighing aggressive military options against Tehran. The potential strikes could surpass the scale of the previous “Epic Fury” operation, according to statements reported on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Trump Weighs Unprecedented Strike as Officials Report No Final Orders
While the rhetoric from the White House has escalated sharply, the operational reality on the ground remains measured. Two U.S. officials confirmed to Axios that no formal decision has been finalized and no new deployment orders have reached the armed forces. Trump himself acknowledged that his position is still under review.
I am considering carrying out a large-scale attack, larger than ever before. I am close to making a decision, and all preparations are ready. Donald Trump, U.S. President, via Euronews
The U.S. president also addressed potential regional partnerships, asserting that the United States does not need anyone else to execute a new campaign against Tehran. He noted that Israel would likely join within minutes if asked, though he cautioned that any Israeli involvement could carry consequential risks of Iranian retaliation.
Strait of Hormuz Security and Maritime Confrontations
The current friction builds upon a twelve-day intensification of U.S. operations designed to halt Iranian interference with commercial shipping lanes. Iranian state media outlet Tasnim reported that an American missile struck a site near Suza on Qeshm Island inside the Strait of Hormuz. Simultaneously, CENTCOM rejected claims from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard asserting Tehran controls access to the vital waterway, stating that the international corridor remains open under U.S. naval protection.
The U.S. Central Command noted that its forces have assisted more than 900 commercial vessels through the strait since early May. Yet, commercial pressures continue to mount as Houthi actions expand into the Red Sea. Following attacks on Saudi-flagged vessels, Trump warned via social media that Washington will hold Iran directly responsible for actions taken by its regional allies.
Diplomatic Stalling and Energy Market Shocks
Diplomatic channels have yielded little progress. Trump observed that while Iranian representatives want to negotiate, they are not yet ready to conclude an agreement, remarking that they have not experienced enough pressure. Regional mediators echoed this deadlock, confirming that Tehran has so far rejected the latest proposals.
The military standoff has directly impacted global commodities. Disruptions to Red Sea tanker routes—traditionally used to move quantities of Saudi oil daily—helped push Brent crude above the $100 threshold for the first time since May, rising over 6 percent to touch $100.14 per barrel before easing slightly.
Regional Repercussions and Diplomatic Talks in Tehran
As diplomatic vectors shift, Gulf Cooperation Council member states and Jordan released a joint statement condemning ongoing Iranian actions as a direct aggression violating the United Nations Charter, calling on the UN Security Council to compel Tehran to halt its regional provocations.
Against this tense backdrop, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeidi arrived in Tehran following a five-day visit to Washington, meeting with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian at the Saadabad Palace to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional stability. Meanwhile, Mossad chief Roman Gofman recently traveled to Washington to consult with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and White House officials regarding intelligence coordination and the Iranian nuclear dossier.
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