Muhammad Amanullah
Date: September 18, 2026 The True Post (Web News) —US President Donald Trump has again indicated that Washington could launch large-scale military operations against Iran as the next phase of the ongoing war takes shape.
Trump said the conflict with Iran has entered an important stage and that the United States is considering a return to major attacks as part of efforts to bring the conflict to an end.
War Enters a Critical Stage
In an interview with Axios, Trump said the war against Iran had reached a point where Washington would have to make an important decision.
According to the US president, several options are available to his administration, including the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations.
Trump made clear that his administration was considering the next phase of action against Iran. At the same time, however, he referred to ongoing contacts with Tehran, saying that Iran was communicating directly with the United States.
Possibility of a Deal with Iran
Trump said the Iranian side remained interested in reaching an agreement with the United States.
His comments indicate that, alongside military pressure, a diplomatic option remains under consideration in Washington.
The US president has previously spoken about negotiations and the possibility of an agreement with Iran while also maintaining military pressure. His latest comments similarly point to both military and diplomatic options.
Consultations with Gulf Countries
Trump said he wants to hear the views of US Gulf allies regarding the next phase of the war with Iran.
For that purpose, meetings are expected with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.
The consultations come as tensions in the Gulf have affected energy supplies, maritime traffic and the movement of oil shipments.
Trump said he plans to discuss the next strategy with the leaders of these countries.
Iran’s Oil Exports Affected
The US president also discussed Iran’s oil exports, saying that a naval blockade had made it extremely difficult for Tehran to export oil.
According to Trump, Iran nevertheless attempted to continue exporting oil, during which US forces targeted some vessels.
Reports of US military action against Iranian oil tankers had also emerged previously.
The Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the tensions between Iran and the United States.
The strategic waterway is critically important for transporting oil and other energy products from the Gulf to global markets.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been significantly disrupted in recent months, while the movement of commercial and energy vessels has remained below normal levels.
The situation has also raised concerns in global energy markets.
Military Action or Negotiations?
Trump’s latest comments contain two contrasting elements: the possibility of major military attacks on Iran and references to direct communication and a potential agreement with Tehran.
The US president has indicated that major attacks could be considered as a means of ending the war, while consultations with Gulf allies would also form part of the decision-making process.
This suggests that Washington is taking the views of its regional partners into consideration as it considers the next phase of the conflict.
Tensions Remain High Across the Region
The ongoing military confrontation between Iran and the United States is already affecting Gulf countries, maritime routes and global energy markets.
In addition to the Strait of Hormuz, tensions have also increased around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb routes.
Under these circumstances, a US decision to launch further major attacks could increase military pressure across the region. Alternatively, pursuing negotiations could lead to renewed efforts toward a ceasefire or a new agreement.
Trump has indicated that the next stage will require an important decision. Following discussions with Gulf leaders, his administration is expected to consider further steps regarding its strategy toward Iran.
