Trump 'close' to decision on 'massive attack' on Iran

President Trump said Thursday that he is seriously weighing a restart of major combat operations in Iran, including strikes larger than those carried out during Operation Epic Fury.

"I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," the president said in a brief interview. He gave no deadline, and two other U.S. officials confirmed no order has reached the military.

Trump said Israel "would join in two minutes if I ask them to," but insisted "we don't need anybody" for a new operation, warning there would be consequences for Israel if it took part, a nod to likely Iranian retaliation.

He described Iran as willing to talk but unwilling to settle. "They haven't received enough pain yet," he said. Two regional sources tracking mediation efforts said Iranian leadership has not accepted the latest proposal.

The U.S. has escalated strikes over the past 12 days to halt Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran showing no sign of backing down. Houthi rebels have now begun striking Saudi vessels in the Red Sea.

Oil has climbed past $100 a barrel, and a return to full-scale war remains deeply unpopular at home.