President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the United States is seriously considering resuming broad military operations against Iran, potentially including strikes larger than those carried out during operation “Wrath Fury”, according to reporting by Axios.
Escalation Threats and Congressional Pushback in Washington
The possibility of renewed conflict emerged as Axios reported President Donald Trump’s remarks regarding potential military escalation against Iran. Alongside the threat of expanded operations, Trump warned that he would hold Tehran responsible for any attacks conducted by Yemeni Houthi forces. The Houthis announced a maritime blockade targeting Saudi Arabia earlier in the week, and according to four sources, Iran dispatched Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps leaders, military advisers, and missile and drone hardware to Yemen this month to bolster Houthi capabilities in the Red Sea.
Washington’s political landscape reflected sharp divisions over the strategy on Capitol Hill. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives approved a resolution directing President Trump to halt any American military action against Iran unless he secures congressional authorization. However, just hours later, the Senate voted to block a separate but similar measure.
Middle Eastern Fronts and Regional Deterrence
Regional tensions expanded outward as Israeli officials signaled total defense readiness. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen declared that his country remains prepared for all scenarios and will respond forcefully if subjected to an attack by Iran. Meanwhile, an Israeli military spokesperson in Arabic stated that forces operate at full readiness on both offensive and defensive fronts during potential friction with the Iranian regime, while the Israeli defense minister warned of a crushing response to any hostile move.
The friction drew in other international actors as military and diplomatic lines crossed across the region. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard threatened to target the British air base at Fairford after the UK’s new prime minister permitted the United States to utilize British military facilities for operations against Iran. In response, the British government emphasized that its armed forces remain in constant readiness to defend the nation in coordination with NATO allies. Simultaneously, Oman’s Foreign Ministry announced that Muscat is coordinating with Saudi Arabia, Yemeni factions, and the United Nations special envoy to revive the political track and roadmap to secure regional stability.
Nuclear Facilities in the Crosshairs and Diplomatic Fractures
The nuclear file remained a core flashpoint as threats widened to deep subterranean infrastructure. Trump explicitly threatened to target a site connected to Iran’s nuclear program known as Pikaex Mountain, a heavily fortified deep-underground facility situated near a primary Iranian nuclear site. In diplomatic exchanges, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Thursday that the United States has adhered to the terms of its agreement with Iran, whereas Tehran routinely evades agreements despite suffering severe economic losses.

Intelligence and security friction also touched diplomatic missions and covert infrastructure. The Kremlin declined to comment on a Reuters report indicating that U.S. intelligence analysts are investigating whether Russia contributed to drone attacks launched by Iran against Central Intelligence Agency facilities in the Gulf region. Concurrently, French authorities weighed reducing the staff of their embassy in Tehran after two French diplomats were detained and assaulted, with Iranian officials accusing them of meeting security-wanted suspects.