Trump Weighs Major Military Strikes Against Iran
President Donald Trump considers major strikes against Iran as regional tensions escalate with Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and U.S. forces prepare for action.
United States forces in the Middle East are prepared to launch major strikes against Iran within 96 hours of approval from Donald Trump. The president has declared it is "decision time" regarding Iran, stating the U.S. must either "finish it off" or reach a deal. While U.S. officials indicate military action is likely to occur after the midterm elections, Trump has not yet made a final decision.
Regional instability has intensified with Houthi forces claiming to launch ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi Arabian military bases, energy sites, the East-West crude pipeline, and King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Saudi-led coalition forces reported destroying three drones over Riyadh, while other Houthi missiles targeted Aden and Bab al-Mandab, and Yemeni forces targeted facilities in Jeddah. Additional reports indicate an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz and a vessel on fire off the coast of Iraq.
Diplomatic efforts continue amid the threats. The Saudi Foreign Ministry announced a delegation visit to Tehran under the Mecca Agreement to de-escalate tensions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed readiness to resolve disputes and secure energy transportation routes during a planned visit to Moscow. However, a senior Iranian official stated that Iran will not discuss its nuclear program until the U.S. meets its demands. The U.S. has also warned Iraq that it will respond to any factions that join Iran militarily.
