Exclusive: Trump "close" to decision on "massive attack" on Iran

President Trump told Axios on Thursday that he is seriously considering restarting major combat operations in Iran — including strikes that would be bigger than the ones carried out during "Operation Epic Fury."

Why it matters: In a brief interview, Trump acknowledged that such a decision would have consequences and stressed he hasn't made a determination yet.

Trump didn't give a deadline for his decision. Two other U.S. officials confirmed no call has been made and no new orders have been given to the military.

The current escalation has already caused oil prices to eclipse $100 per barrel. A return to all-out war is highly unpopular in the U.S.

What he's saying: "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.

Trump said Israel "would join in two minutes if I ask them to," but added that "we don't need anybody" to launch a new operation against Iran.

He also said there would be "consequences" for Israel joining the strikes, hinting at Iranian retaliation against Israel.

The big picture: Trump said the Iranians "want to negotiate" but are not ready to make a deal at the moment.

"They haven't received enough pain yet," he said.

Two regional sources with knowledge of mediation efforts said Iranian leadership hasn't accepted the latest proposal put forward.

"We are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful," one of them said.

Driving the news: The U.S. has been escalating its attacks over the last 12 days in an effort to stop Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

So far Iran hasn't shown any willingness to change course — it, too, has intensified attacks in the region.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have started attacking Saudi ships in the Red Sea, exacerbating tensions in another critical oil shipping route and further destabilizing the global energy market.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social account that if the Houthis fire again at ships in the Red Sea, "the U.S. will hold Iran responsible."

The Houthis, he said, are an Iranian proxy and therefore "major military punishment will be inflicted upon Iran and, of course, the Houthis themselves."

What to watch: Separately, Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants to attend the late Sen. Lindsey Graham's wake in Washington next week.

"Relations with Bibi are very good. I would meet with him if he is here," Trump said. ...