Trump Meets With Top Advisers as He Weighs a Major Escalation in Iran
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-24 15:07:00 — www.nytimes.com
President Trump Signals Escalation in Iran Conflict, Downplays Duration of War
President Trump has indicated a possible major escalation in the ongoing U.S. military campaign against Iran, stating in an interview with Axios, “I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it.” This comes as Trump met with top advisers and senior cabinet members to discuss intensifying military actions, following the collapse of a fragile cease-fire and failed diplomatic efforts for a longer-term denuclearization deal.
Trump also suggested that Israel would likely not participate in any new escalation, warning there could be “consequences” for them, apparently referring to potential Iranian retaliation. Despite these warnings, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with Trump in the United States.
Contrary to Trump’s repeated assurances that the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran would be a “relatively short ‘excursion,’” the conflict has now dragged on for nearly five months with no end in sight. The situation escalated after Iran struck a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to renewed U.S. airstrikes and a military blockade. In the past two weeks, Iranian attacks have killed four U.S. service members, and the Pentagon has rapidly deployed additional forces and equipment to the region.
U.S. Central Command has carried out 13 consecutive nights of bombing runs, targeting Iranian military infrastructure and supply routes. Military officials report that over 1,000 targets have been hit in the latest escalation, though the Pentagon has stopped disclosing exact numbers, citing operational security.
Despite Trump’s threats of increased bombings, Iranian attacks have continued, and the country’s leadership appears determined to endure the conflict despite economic and military setbacks. Trump’s insistence on a quick resolution has proven inaccurate, as the war shows no signs of abating.
In summary, President Trump’s public statements have repeatedly downplayed the likely duration and complexity of the conflict with Iran, while the reality on the ground has become increasingly protracted and volatile. His rhetoric about a swift campaign has not matched the sustained and escalating hostilities, underscoring a significant gap between his assurances and the ongoing situation.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/24/us/politics/trump-escalation-iran.html