Trump threatens Iran escalation as tit-for-tat airstrikes continue

An Iranian couple rides past Iranian-made Zolfaghar missiles displayed at Azadi Square in Tehran on July 24, 2026. Iran's army said on July 24 it carried out drone strikes against several American military facilities and bases in Bahrain and Jordan in retaliation for the latest US attacks against the Islamic republic. AFP/via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption AFP/via Getty Images AMMAN, Jordan - The U.S. Friday continued airstrikes in Iran while Tehran launched retaliatory attacks on U.S. targets in the Gulf as the region braced itself after President Trump said he was close to deciding whether to launch "a massive attack". "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision," Trump told the Axios news outlet. The U.S. military later said it conducted its 13th consecutive night of strikes against Iran in attacks aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten maritime traffic. Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz – a vital waterway between Iran and Oman – on Thursday pushed global oil prices to over $100 per barrel – their highest level since May. The price for benchmark crude oil eased to under $100 in trading Friday morning. Iranian...