President Trump indicated to Axios that he is nearing a decision on conducting a significantly larger military operation against Iran than previous strikes carried out during the ongoing conflict. Trump stated he was prepared to proceed and acknowledged potential consequences, while suggesting Israel would participate if requested but asserting US independence in the matter.
The president’s comments followed threats of major military action against Iran and the Iran-backed Houthi militia following the latter’s attacks on Saudi Arabian oil tankers in the Red Sea. Reports indicated Iran had transferred military advisers and drone components to Yemen on 13 July. The Houthis claimed responsibility for striking two tankers, the Encelia and the Layla, causing fires aboard both vessels. Crude oil prices climbed beyond the $100 per barrel mark for Brent crude, the international benchmark.
UN Secretary General António Guterres warned the security council that the Middle East was approaching the “edge of the unimaginable,” citing an expanding cycle of confrontation and escalation. Several nations took defensive measures, with the UK withdrawing diplomatic staff from Iran and Germany announcing withdrawal of military vessels from the Red Sea. The US State Department cautioned Americans in the region about potential flight cancellations.
Trump clarified that a proposed civilian nuclear assistance agreement with Saudi Arabia would require the kingdom to normalize relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, a condition previously undiscussed with Saudi leadership. The president also escalated rhetoric regarding potential strikes on Iranian military facilities, including an underground complex at a location referred to as “Pickaxe mountain.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated Iran was “begging for a deal” while maintaining that the nation would “pay a very heavy price.”
The Bab el-Mandeb strait, through which approximately 12 percent of global trade passes, faced disruption from Houthi blockade announcements. The House of Representatives narrowly approved a resolution to halt military action against Iran, marking a second such warning as Trump’s approval ratings declined amid unpopularity of the conflict ahead of midterm elections.
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