The current president of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that he is close to deciding whether he will authorize a massive attack against Iran. The statement comes amid the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, which has already spread to the Red Sea and is increasing the attention of global markets, including the cryptocurrency sector.
In an interview with Axios, Trump stated that a possible offensive would have proportions greater than the military operations carried out so far. According to the president, the decision may be made soon.
“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever. I am close to making a decision. We are all prepared for this,” Trump said in the interview.
While the decision has not been announced, the United States continues to expand its military campaign. The U.S. Central Command carried out the 13th consecutive night of bombings against Iranian targets, intensifying the pressure on Tehran.
Trump also stated that Israel would quickly participate in the operation if it received a request from Washington. At the same time, he acknowledged that a joint action could provoke a military response from Iran against Israeli territory.
In addition to the possibility of new attacks, the president again stated that Tehran shows interest in negotiating. Even so, he assessed that the Iranian government is not prepared to conclude an agreement with the United States.
Tensions increased after the Houthi group, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for an attack against two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. In response, Trump directly held Tehran responsible for the group's future actions.
“If they do this again, the U.S. will hold Iran responsible, alleging that the Houthis are a representative and/or instrument of Iran, and a great military punishment will be inflicted on Iran and, of course, on the Houthis themselves,” he said in a post on Truth Social.
On Monday, the Houthis announced a maritime embargo against Saudi Arabia and threatened to interrupt oil exports through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the most important maritime routes in international trade.
At the same time, Iran's Revolutionary Guard reported having attacked American military facilities at a United States base in Jordan. The action increased concerns about a possible regional expansion of the conflict.
During an interview with the press, United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio summarized the strategy adopted by the White House.
“Honestly, that is what is going to happen,” he said. “They will pay a very high price for the things they are doing. They are already paying a very high price.”
Even with the military escalation, oil prices fell about 1% on Friday morning. Even so, the market is heading toward a weekly gain close to 10%. Brent remained above US$ 99 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was traded at US$ 91,08.
Iran increases pressure on the United Kingdom
The crisis also heightened tensions between Tehran and London. The Iranian government classified the United Kingdom as "complicit" with the United States after maintaining authorization for American forces to use British military bases in defensive operations.
Shortly after the start of the conflict, London allowed the use of these facilities by the US. The agreement was renewed last week and remained unchanged by British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
In a statement, Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that "any party that, in any way, participates in military aggression against Iran will be held accountable for the consequences and repercussions of its decision".
It then added: “The British government chose to align itself with the aggressors, reducing its position to that of an accomplice of the United States and Israel in a brutal war against the Iranian nation.”
Iranian authorities also warned that any European country that makes military bases or territory available to the United States may be considered a direct participant in the conflict. The warning heightens concerns about a possible escalation of tensions in the Middle East, a factor that continues to influence international markets and the behavior of cryptocurrency investors.