Trump Meets With Top Advisers as He Weighs a Major Escalation in Iran

Key Points:

• President Trump held a meeting with top advisers and cabinet members to consider escalating the military assault against Iran following the collapse of a cease-fire and a memorandum aimed at resuming denuclearization talks.
• Trump indicated in an Axios interview that he was close to deciding on a "massive attack, bigger than ever before," while suggesting Israel might not be involved in any new escalation and could face consequences from Iran.
• The cease-fire ended after Iran attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz with a drone strike, prompting renewed U.S. strikes and a military blockade of the Strait.
• Recent Iranian attacks on U.S. interests in the Middle East, including a military base in Jordan, have resulted in the deaths of four American service members, with Iranian leadership showing increased hardline stances.
• Despite economic and military challenges, Iran’s theocratic leaders appear more willing to endure prolonged conflict with the U.S., contrasting with the shorter conflict duration anticipated by President Trump.