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As the conflict between the United States and Iran enters a new phase, US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a significant expansion of the American military campaign against Iran. Israeli officials believe such an escalation could prompt Tehran to retaliate directly against Israel, according to assessments reported by The Jerusalem Post. Meanwhile, the US military has been increasing its forces in the Middle East, and the IDF maintains a high level of readiness, coordinating closely with US forces.

Coverage comparison

Reporting on the evolving situation has varied in focus and emphasis. Al Jazeera highlighted the potential consequences of Trump's military options, describing them as having significant potential for humanitarian catastrophe and geopolitical instability. The outlet reported that Trump has at least three military options: ramping up air and missile strikes, a ground invasion, and employing a nuclear weapon. The analysis noted that expanding the aerial campaign would likely mean attacking largely civilian infrastructure, with outcomes described as "all bad."

The Jerusalem Post, providing the most extensive coverage, has reported on multiple aspects of the situation. Some reports focused on the potential for a US-Israel joint bombing campaign against Iranian energy infrastructure, citing a CBS News report. Other Jerusalem Post articles detailed Israeli officials' assessments that Trump is preparing to escalate significantly, and that the US is bolstering its military forces in the region to provide the president with more options. Additional reports covered the IDF's readiness, Israel's views on Iran's nuclear program, and Trump's stated intentions.

TASS, citing The New York Times, reported that Trump is considering three options for the development of the situation in the war with Iran: military escalation, economic repression through new sanctions, and declaring victory and withdrawing from the conflict. TASS also noted that the US has failed to achieve its goals in the conflict, including changing Iran's government, and that the latest escalation began on July 8 after US strikes on Iran.

Key claims

  • US military options: According to Al Jazeera, Trump has at least three military options: ramping up air and missile strikes, a ground invasion, and employing a nuclear weapon. TASS, citing The New York Times, reported a different set of three options: military escalation, economic repression, and declaring victory and withdrawing from the conflict.
  • Planned bombing campaign: The Jerusalem Post, citing a CBS News report, said the US and Israel are planning to initiate a harsh bombing campaign on energy infrastructure in Iran, potentially beginning over the weekend and targeting power plants and refineries. An Israeli official denied the claim, stating that Israel is unaware of a decision to restart full military operations.
  • US force buildup: The Jerusalem Post, citing The Wall Street Journal, reported that the US is increasing available forces in the Middle East, with fighter jets positioned across the region and bomber aircraft on high alert, to provide Trump with more military options.
  • Israeli officials' assessment: Israeli officials believe Trump is preparing to significantly escalate the American military campaign, which could prompt Tehran to retaliate directly against Israel, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.
  • IDF readiness: The IDF continues to maintain a high level of readiness for a possible escalation with Iran, with coordination with the US military described as "close," according to a senior security official cited by The Jerusalem Post.
  • Iran's nuclear program: A senior diplomatic source told The Jerusalem Post that Iran is harboring centrifuges at Pickaxe Mountain, and Israel does not believe Iran's nuclear program has been completely destroyed.
  • Trump's posture: The Jerusalem Post reported that Trump is leaning toward further escalation, with an official saying the remaining questions are "how much" and "when." Trump has also threatened to strike Iranian bridges and power plants in response to attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Iran's warning: Iran has publicly warned that it will escalate its missile attacks if Washington intensifies its military campaign, with an Iranian military spokesperson threatening to destroy infrastructure throughout the region, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

US Administration: President Trump has stated that the US will "hit Iran very hard" and that "this is their last opportunity to sign the agreement." He has also asserted US control over the Strait of Hormuz and threatened retaliation against Iranian infrastructure.

Israeli Officials: Israeli officials believe an expanded US campaign could prompt Tehran to retaliate directly against Israel. They have convened security consultations and maintain high military readiness. Israel has reportedly targeted nuclear scientists, enrichment facilities, and centrifuges, and would not hesitate to act again against any attempt to rebuild Iran's nuclear program.

Iranian Military: An Iranian military spokesperson has warned that if the US hits Iranian infrastructure, Iran will destroy all infrastructure throughout the region, indicating a willingness to escalate missile attacks in response to intensified US military action.