President Trump on Thursday said he is “close to making a decision” on a “massive” bombing campaign against Iran as he threatens to hit Iranian transportation and energy infrastructure, including in Tehran.
President Trump declared the US-Iran ceasefire was “over” earlier this month with harsh words for the Iranians after repeated violations of the memorandum of understanding signed last month. “I don’t want to deal with them anymore. They’re scum,” Trump said days before the now-13-day bombing streak started, describing Iranian leaders as “sick people” and “vicious, violent people.”
US forces are expected to continue bombing Iran tonight for a 14th consecutive day.
“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 an interview with Axios yesterday.
“They haven’t received enough pain yet.”
Trump also said Israel “would join in two minutes if I ask them to.” Trump added, “We don’t need anybody” to join the attacks. He further described his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “very good,” adding, “I would meet with him if he is here.” Netanyahu is expected to attend the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s funeral wake in Washington next week.
This comes after Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said this week that Israel has “no interest” in joining the ongoing US campaign.
“Right now, Israel has no interest in joining the conflict. The current situation, where there’s a war between Iran and the US, is actually the best scenario for us,” Smotrich said.
“The best way to bring about the regime’s downfall is to crush it economically,” he added. “Therefore, the current situation works in our favor, and we have no interest in pushing ourselves into it.”
Trump also put Iran on notice that “any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls.”
President Trump threatened earlier on Thursday to “hold Iran responsible” and inflict “major military punishment” upon Iran and the Houthis after the Iran-backed group began targeting shipping in the Red Sea on Wednesday.
A day earlier, the President issued new warnings against Iran, threatening to hit one power plant or bridge for every ship they hit in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran attacked another tanker near the coast of Oman on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Iran is now threatening to escalate the conflict beyond the Middle East, issuing threats against the United Kingdom on Thursday. The British government responded, saying it “stands ready 24/7 to defend itself.”
MORE:
BREAKING: Iran Threatens the UK – UK Says it “Stands Ready 24/7 to Defend Itself”
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