Trump signals consideration of large-scale strike on Iran

2026-07-23

Hints at large-scale strike

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 23rd that he was considering 'a large-scale attack' on Iran, one 'the likes of which has never been seen before.' Speaking to U.S. news site Axios, he said, 'I am on the verge of making a decision. We are fully prepared,' urging Iran to make concessions.

No sign of progress in talks

Trump suggested the scale could be larger than when he launched an attack on Iran on Feb. 28. He said Iran 'wants negotiations' but that there was no clear path to an agreement at present, adding that 'they have not suffered enough pain yet.' On Israel, he said it would 'come to the aid within two minutes if asked,' while also saying he would need 'no one's help' for the new operation.

Tensions rise in the Middle East

Trump did not mention any deadline for his decision. According to Axios, U.S. officials said no new orders had been issued to the U.S. military at this point. The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. military has begun reinforcing troops and weapons in the Middle East in preparation for expanding the operation, and has also increased special operations forces. It also said more than 150 medical workers had arrived at a hospital in Germany that serves as a treatment center for soldiers wounded in fighting in the Middle East.

On the 22nd, Trump also warned that each time Iran attacks vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, he would destroy one bridge or one power plant. The U.S. military had attacked Iran for 12 straight days through the 22nd, and Iran has shown no willingness to make concessions. Concerns about a full-scale confrontation are intensifying.

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