Trump signals potential escalation against Iran amid rising Gulf shipping alerts

United States President Donald Trump has warned that Washington could escalate military operations against Iran, stating that an official choice on widening the ongoing conflict will be made soon.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office after convening with his national security advisers, Trump suggested the US might go further to ensure Tehran cannot rebuild its nuclear capabilities, even asserting that forces might have to destroy the rest of the country. Trump stated that he would prefer to avoid such an outcome, while estimating that reconstruction could take Iran nearly three decades. He also confirmed that 18 American personnel have been killed in the conflict so far.

The warnings come during a period of mounting political debate in Washington. Trump is assessing his options following recent midterm elections, considering expanded military strikes, sustained economic sanctions, or negotiations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is confronting sharp criticism on Capitol Hill, where Republican Representative Thomas Massie has pledged to bring forward impeachment articles accusing him of conducting unauthorized military actions past the limits of the War Powers Resolution. Hegseth dismissed the move as politically motivated, insisting the administration will not back down.

Democratic lawmakers have likewise condemned the potential escalation. Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari criticized the threats of widespread destruction against a population of 90 million, urging congressional leadership to halt the conflict when lawmakers return.

Regional tensions continue to affect international shipping and global energy markets. The Joint Maritime Information Centre reported four separate attacks or aggressive incidents near the Strait of Hormuz within a 52-hour window off Oman, leaving merchant transit through the waterway well below ordinary volumes. Crude oil futures rose in response to the sustained instability, with Brent crude trading above 98 dollars per barrel.

In Saudi Arabia, air defense units engaged and destroyed a Houthi-launched ballistic missile heading toward Najran and Medina, alongside a drone over the Eastern Province, prompting authorities to temporarily issue civil emergency warnings.

Concurrently, Tehran has engaged in a diplomatic push across the region and with international partners. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contacted UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss regional stability and de-escalation. Meanwhile, Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei traveled to Moscow for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, announcing plans for Russia to construct a gas pipeline connected to Iran to support regional energy trade.