U.S. President Donald Trump said he is considering a "massive attack" on Iran, adding that "all preparations are complete."
In an interview with the U.S. online outlet Axios on the 23rd, Trump said, "It's a bigger attack than anything comparable before. A decision will be made soon." He added that the attack "could include a larger-scale strike than the one carried out during Operation Midnight Hammer."
Still, a final diplomatic effort appears to be underway in parallel. Citing two regional sources, Axios reported that "Iran's leadership has not yet accepted the recently presented proposal." One source described the mood, saying, "We are making an effort, but Iran is not cooperative."
Trump said that "Iran wants to negotiate," but that for now it is not yet ready to reach an agreement. He added, "They have not suffered enough yet."
Trump explained that he had not made a final decision on whether to attack Iran. Two U.S. officials also said that "no new orders have been issued to the military yet."
Asked whether Israel would join the attack, Trump said, "If I ask, they will join within two minutes," but added that he "does not need anyone's help" for a new operation against Iran.
As tensions rose in the Middle East, international oil prices broke above $100 per barrel for the first time in about two months. The closing price of Brent crude futures for September delivery reached $100.69 per barrel, surging 7.04% from the previous trading day. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for September delivery also rose 6.17% to $92.19. Brent crude marked its highest level since May 22, while WTI reached its highest since June 4.
