President Donald Trump told Axios on Thursday that he's "considering a massive attack" on Iran, which has not "received enough pain yet."
Trump said he has not made a decision but indicated the military is prepared to launch an operation even larger than "Operation Epic Fury" if Tehran continues to refuse to negotiate while attacking international shipping
"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump told Axios.
Trump said that while Israel would quickly join a renewed campaign if asked, the United States has the capability to act alone.
"Israel would join in two minutes if I ask them to," Trump said, adding, "We don't need anybody."
Trump also warned that Israel's participation could trigger additional Iranian retaliation, underscoring the stakes of any expanded military operation.
The comments came as U.S. officials told Axios no final order has been issued, despite mounting military preparations throughout the Middle East.
Trump acknowledged that a larger offensive would have significant consequences but said Iran has not yet demonstrated a willingness to strike a deal.
"They haven't received enough pain yet," he said.
According to The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday night, the Pentagon has surged special operations forces, fighter aircraft, bombers, aerial refueling assets and medical personnel to the region, giving Trump a wider range of military options should he authorize additional strikes.
The buildup follows nearly two weeks of intensified U.S. attacks aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz after repeated Iranian attacks on vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
The conflict has expanded further as Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, raising fears of disruptions at another critical global shipping chokepoint.
Earlier Thursday, Trump warned on Truth Social that the United States would hold Iran directly responsible for any future Houthi attacks on commercial shipping, calling the militant group an Iranian proxy and pledging "major military punishment" against both Tehran and the Houthis.
The military buildup comes as some Republicans have expressed concern about the financial cost and duration of the conflict, while administration officials maintain that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a vital U.S. national security objective.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said Iran has shown little interest in reaching a negotiated settlement, reinforcing the administration's argument that maintaining military pressure may be necessary.
Despite the escalating rhetoric, Trump said diplomacy remains possible if Iran changes course.
For now, however, he signaled that the White House is prepared to escalate dramatically should Tehran continue its attacks and reject efforts to end the conflict.