US close to full-scale war with Iran – Axios

Axios has reported, citing sources, that the United States is allegedly very close to deciding on a large-scale military operation against Iran, which could begin in the near future.

Source: European Pravda, referring to a publication by Axios

Details: Axios sources reported that officials in the administration of Donald Trump are close to a decision on a large-scale armed operation against Iran, one that would resemble a full-scale war rather than a swift and "surgical" operation like the one conducted in Venezuela.

It is likely to be a joint campaign with Israel and significantly larger in scope than the "12-day war" in June 2025, when the US struck Iran's underground nuclear facilities.

Trump had reportedly been close to authorising strikes on Iran as early as the beginning of January, while observing the bloody crackdown on protesters. However, the administration later shifted to a "dual-track approach" – attempting negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear programme while simultaneously increasing military presence in the region. At present, negotiations do not appear likely to deliver the outcome desired by Washington.

Two aircraft carriers, around a dozen warships, hundreds of fighter jets and numerous air defence systems are already deployed near Iranian territory. In the past 24 hours alone, approximately 50 additional fighter jets have reportedly been sent to the Middle East.

Some US sources say considerable time is still needed to prepare the operation. However, one adviser claims that Trump is "running out of patience", despite warnings from some members of his team, and estimates a "90% probability" that the operation will begin in the coming weeks.

Background: Another round of US-Iran talks took place in Geneva on Tuesday. Following the meeting, Iran's foreign minister stated that it marked "the beginning of a path toward an agreement" between the two countries.

Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!