Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he is seriously considering launching a broader military campaign against Iran, suggesting that any future action could exceed previous US operations if tensions continue to escalate.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, Trump said he was evaluating the possibility of carrying out attacks “larger than what we have seen in the past,” according to Axios. However, the report added that the US president has not yet made a final decision on whether to expand military operations.
“I am considering the possibility of launching an attack on Iran larger than what we have seen before,” Trump said during the interview, according to the report.
He also stated that “they have not suffered enough yet,” referring to Iran, while signaling that military options remain under active consideration.
Military Tensions Continue to Rise Between Washington and Tehran
Trump’s remarks come as relations between the United States and Iran continue to deteriorate following an exchange of threats over nuclear facilities and strategic energy infrastructure.
The two countries have increasingly adopted a confrontational stance, with officials on both sides warning of possible retaliation against military and economic targets if further attacks occur.
Although Washington has not announced any new military campaign, Trump’s latest comments indicate that additional options remain under review.
Trump Warns Iran and Houthis of ‘Major Military Punishment’
Earlier on Thursday, Trump warned that both Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi movement would face what he described as “major military punishment” if attacks on oil tankers in the Red Sea continue.
His warning followed claims by the Houthis that they had launched missile and drone attacks on two Saudi oil tankers as part of what the group described as a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia.
Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said the United States would hold Iran responsible for any future Houthi attacks, describing the Yemeni group as an Iranian proxy.
He said any further attacks would bring serious military consequences for both Iran and the Houthis.
Houthis Claim Responsibility for Red Sea Attacks
The Houthi movement announced that it had targeted two Saudi oil tankers identified as “Inceylia” and “Layla”, alleging that the vessels had violated restrictions imposed under its declared maritime blockade.
The group said the attacks were carried out using missiles and drones.
The claims have not been independently verified, and Saudi authorities had not immediately issued a detailed response at the time of reporting.
The reported attacks marked the first such strikes since the Houthis announced earlier this week that they were imposing a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia.
Read More: Iran, US Negotiators Propose 10-Day Ceasefire to Revive Interim Agreement
US Expands Military Presence in the Region
At the same time, the United States has continued to reinforce its military posture across the Middle East.
According to reports, Washington has deployed additional aerial refuelling aircraft and repositioned B-1 strategic bombers, moves widely viewed as preparations for a range of military contingencies should the regional security situation deteriorate further.
While current US military operations remain limited in scope, analysts say the latest deployments suggest the Pentagon is positioning itself to respond quickly if ordered to expand operations.
Regional and Global Concerns Grow
Trump’s latest remarks have added to concerns that the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran could evolve into a broader regional conflict.
Analysts warn that any significant escalation could affect global energy markets, maritime security in the Gulf and Red Sea, and diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
Governments and financial markets are closely monitoring developments, as further military action could have wide-ranging economic and geopolitical consequences.
Relations between the United States and Iran have remained strained over issues including Iran’s nuclear programme, regional security, and the activities of Iran-backed armed groups across the Middle East. Recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and continued military exchanges have heightened concerns over the possibility of a wider conflict involving regional and international powers.
