Trump Weighs Expanded Iran Strikes Ahead of Netanyahu White House Meeting/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ President Donald Trump met senior advisers Friday to consider whether to intensify military operations against Iran following the collapse of a fragile ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday as the two countries consider their next steps. The United States and Britain also plan talks in London about forming an international coalition to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Quick Look
- Trump convened senior advisers and Cabinet officials to discuss Iran strategy.
- The talks followed the collapse of a ceasefire and a preliminary diplomatic understanding.
- Trump said he was considering an attack larger than the opening strikes of Operation Epic Fury.
- Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday.
- The meeting could involve military coordination between the United States and Israel.
- The US and Britain plan to discuss a maritime security coalition in London.
- The proposed coalition would seek to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Announced diplomatic visits do not necessarily rule out military action before Tuesday.
Deep Look
Trump Reviews Options After Ceasefire Collapse
President Donald Trump met with senior advisers and Cabinet officials Friday to determine whether the United States should intensify military operations against Iran, according to media reports.
The meeting followed the collapse of a fragile ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding intended to return Washington and Tehran to negotiations over a longer-term agreement addressing Iran’s nuclear program, The New York Times reported.
Trump has publicly indicated that he is close to deciding whether to authorize a significant expansion of the campaign.
“I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision,” Trump told Axios on Thursday. “We are all set for it.”
No final decision or timetable for additional military action was announced.
Larger Joint Campaign Reportedly Under Consideration
Trump is considering whether to resume major combat operations against Iran, according to Axios. Such action could involve a joint US-Israeli campaign similar to the opening of Operation Epic Fury on Feb. 28.
The proposed operation would reportedly be larger than the initial strikes conducted by the United States and Israel.
Any expanded campaign could deepen a conflict that has already disrupted maritime traffic, increased energy prices and heightened security concerns throughout the Middle East.
Netanyahu to Visit White House on Tuesday
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump at the White House on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Israeli prime minister’s office.
“At President Trump’s invitation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will depart for Washington on Monday for an official visit,” the statement said. “As part of the visit, the prime minister will meet with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday and will attend the funeral service for Senator Lindsey Graham.”
The meeting could play an important role in Trump’s deliberations and allow the United States and Israel to coordinate their military and diplomatic strategies toward Iran.
Netanyahu has met Trump in the Oval Office six times since the president returned to office, more than any other foreign leader, according to Axios.
Timing Could Suggest a Pause—But Not Guarantee One
Netanyahu’s scheduled visit could indicate that no major escalation will occur before Tuesday. However, that conclusion remains uncertain.
During previous confrontations with Iran, both the United States and Israel have announced high-level visits or diplomatic plans before launching military operations, using the public statements to obscure preparations.
The latest announcement therefore does not rule out action before Netanyahu arrives in Washington.
Netanyahu Previously Sought Another Trump Meeting
Netanyahu reportedly requested a meeting with Trump the previous week but initially did not receive an appointment.
He later said he had postponed his visit because the wake for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham had been delayed. Some White House officials told Axios that Netanyahu had attempted to “will the meeting into existence.”
A White House official said Wednesday that discussions about a possible Oval Office meeting were underway but that nothing had been finalized at that time.
Trump told Axios on Thursday that he would meet Netanyahu if the Israeli leader came to Washington for Graham’s funeral ceremony. Netanyahu’s office subsequently confirmed the Tuesday meeting.
US and Britain Consider Hormuz Security Coalition
Separately, American and British officials are preparing to hold a high-level meeting in London next week to discuss the possible creation of an international coalition to protect maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow passage has become a central point of confrontation between Washington and Tehran. It is also one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Iran has asserted authority over the waterway, while US forces have acted to restrict Iranian maritime operations and protect commercial traffic.
The proposed coalition would seek to secure shipping as attacks and military activity threaten vessels using the strait. Details about potential participating countries, command arrangements and rules of engagement were not immediately available.
Strait Remains Central to the Conflict
Control of the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the most consequential elements of the confrontation because a substantial share of the world’s oil and gas supplies normally travels through it.
Disruptions have stranded vessels, increased shipping risks and contributed to higher global energy prices.
The London talks suggest the Trump administration is pursuing international maritime support even as the president considers expanding direct military action against Iran.
Trump’s decision, Netanyahu’s Washington visit and the proposed shipping coalition could collectively shape the conflict’s next phase.
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