Trump ‘Close’ to Decision on Massive Iran Attack as U.S. Forces Surge Into Region

Key Facts

Published: July 23, 2026 Location: Washington D.C. Source: Axios, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News, White House, U.S. Department of State

• Trump says he is close to deciding whether to authorize a massive new attack against Iran.
• The Pentagon has surged special forces, combat aircraft, refueling assets and medical personnel into the region.
• Iranian and Houthi attacks have increased fears of simultaneous disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea.

President warns Tehran has not “received enough pain yet,” while leaving the door open for a negotiated settlement

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

WASHINGTON D.C. (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump said Thursday he is nearing a decision on whether to launch a “massive attack” against Iran, warning that Tehran has not suffered enough pressure to abandon its attacks on international shipping and return to serious negotiations.

“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before,” Trump told Axios. “I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it.”

Trump said no final order had been issued but indicated that the U.S. military is prepared for an operation larger than Operation Epic Fury, the earlier American campaign against Iranian military and nuclear-related targets.

The president said Israel would immediately participate if requested, but maintained that the United States has the firepower to act without assistance.

“Israel would join in two minutes if I ask them to,” Trump said. “We don’t need anybody.”

Trump acknowledged that Israeli participation could provoke additional Iranian retaliation, potentially widening a conflict that has already threatened two of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.

“They haven’t received enough pain yet,” Trump said, referring to Iran’s refusal to accept an agreement.

Pentagon Expands Trump’s Military Options

The warning came as the Pentagon continued a major buildup of American forces throughout the Middle East.

Special operations forces, fighter squadrons, bombers, aerial refueling aircraft and additional medical personnel have been deployed or placed on heightened readiness, according to The Wall Street Journal.

More than 150 military medical personnel were also sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, the primary hospital for American troops wounded in the Middle East.

The deployment gives Trump a broader range of options, from expanded air and missile strikes to operations against Iranian military infrastructure, missile facilities, naval forces and command centers.

The buildup follows 12 consecutive nights of American strikes against Iranian maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance systems and other military targets.

The current campaign began after repeated Iranian attacks on commercial vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

Trump has separately threatened to destroy Iranian bridges, power plants and other infrastructure in response to additional attacks on international shipping.

Conflict Threatens Multiple Shipping Routes

The confrontation has expanded beyond the Persian Gulf.

Iran-backed Houthi forces have claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears that the conflict could simultaneously disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb passage.

Trump said the United States will hold Iran directly responsible for future Houthi attacks, arguing that Tehran supplies, finances and directs the Yemeni militant organization.

The White House has long maintained that Iran bears responsibility for Houthi attacks against American, allied and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.

The expanding conflict has prompted concern among some Republicans over its duration, financial cost and the absence of a clearly defined military endpoint. The House passed a resolution Thursday seeking to restrict Trump’s Iran campaign, reflecting growing congressional unease over the scope of the fighting.

Administration officials argue that continued pressure is necessary to defend freedom of navigation, protect American forces and prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran has not demonstrated a willingness to negotiate seriously, although the administration continues to leave open the possibility of a diplomatic settlement.

Trump likewise said diplomacy remains possible—but only if Tehran changes course.

For now, the president’s warning leaves Iran facing a stark choice: accept negotiations under mounting American pressure or risk an operation Trump says could be larger than anything launched against the Islamic Republic before.

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