President Donald Trump has said he is considering launching the biggest U.S. military attack on Iran so far, after the American military carried out its 12th straight day of strikes on Wednesday.
Speaking to Axios, Trump said he is thinking about a major military operation and is close to making a final decision.
“I am considering a massive attack, bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it,” Trump said.
He also said Israel could join the operation if requested, but added that the United States has the ability to carry out the planned strikes on its own.
When asked about possible peace talks, Trump said Iran had not “received enough pain yet,” suggesting he believes more pressure is needed before negotiations can succeed.
Earlier on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the administration’s approach to Iran as “a head for an eye” while speaking to reporters at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila, Philippines.
Rubio was responding to comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who said Iran’s defense policy against the U.S. was based on an “eye for an eye.”
“The president’s policy is a head for an eye,” Rubio said, adding that Iran would face serious consequences for its actions.
According to U.S. Central Command, American forces completed a 12th consecutive day of military strikes against targets in Tehran on Wednesday. The United States and Iran have both accused each other of breaking the ceasefire agreement reached under a memorandum of understanding last month.
Trump also told Axios that Iran wants to negotiate but is not yet ready to reach a final deal.
They have not received enough pain he said
