US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he is seriously considering restarting major combat operations against Iran, including strikes larger than those carried out during “Operation Epic Fury,” Axios reported, citing an exclusive interview with the president.

Trump acknowledged in the brief interview that such a decision would carry consequences and stressed he has not yet decided. He gave no deadline for the decision, and two US officials told Axios no call has been made, and no new orders have been issued to the military.

“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 said Israel “would join in two minutes” if he asked, but added that the US does not need help from anyone to launch a new operation against Iran.

Trump also warned of “consequences” should Israel join the strikes, hinting at possible Iranian retaliation against Israel.

On diplomacy, Trump said Iran wants to negotiate but is not yet ready to reach a deal, saying Tehran has “not received enough pain yet.”

Two regional sources familiar with mediation efforts told Axios that Iranian leadership has not accepted the latest proposal on the table, with one saying, “we are trying, but the Iranians are not being helpful.”

The escalation comes after 12 days of intensifying US strikes aimed at halting Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran showing no sign of backing down and intensifying its own regional attacks.

The current escalation has already pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel, and a full return to war remains highly unpopular domestically in the US.

Separately, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have begun targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea, adding pressure to another critical shipping route.

Trump warned on Truth Social that renewed Houthi attacks on shipping would prompt the US to hold Iran responsible, calling the group an Iranian proxy that would face “major military punishment” alongside Iran itself.