US President Donald Trump has indicated he is considering a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Iran, framing the decision as a choice between launching major military strikes or continuing current measures.
In an interview with Axios published Thursday, Trump stated: 'I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate them [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me.' The remarks come as the US maintains a naval blockade on Iranian ports and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to restrict vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
Naval Blockade and Strait Tensions
The US military has enforced a blockade on Iranian ports for months, preventing Iranian oil exports. According to US Central Command, 104 ships have been redirected to comply with the blockade since its implementation. Trump claimed in the interview that 'not one ship has gone to Iran since we started. They tried, and we blew them up.'
Meanwhile, the IRGC Navy reported seizing a Togo-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of an 'illegal passage.' The incident follows a pattern of restricted movement through the strait, where commercial vessel traffic has declined sharply. The US has sought to increase tanker traffic through the waterway to restore oil flows to global markets.
Diplomatic and Military Developments
Trump also discussed his upcoming meeting with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman, scheduled for Tuesday. He stated his intention to 'find out where they are and how they are doing,' adding that the US has been 'very protective of them.'
The president suggested that Iran may be open to negotiations, stating: 'They want to make a deal. We’ll see how that works out.' He emphasized that the US is communicating directly with Iranian officials, rejecting the idea of third-party mediation.
Regional Impact and Oil Markets
The conflict has contributed to volatility in global oil markets, with Brent crude futures closing at $104.82 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate futures at $101.91 per barrel on Thursday. Prices have fluctuated amid reports of additional Saudi crude reaching markets and ongoing strikes by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis against Saudi Arabia.
Damage to US Bases
Separate reporting from ABC News described damage to US military bases in the Middle East, including Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, following Iranian strikes. Images purportedly shared by service personnel showed damaged aircraft and infrastructure at multiple locations, though the extent of the damage and its operational impact remain unverified.
The conflict, now in its seventh month, has seen periodic escalations but has largely settled into a stalemate, with both sides asserting control through naval and aerial actions.