Iran-US war latest: Oil prices surge above $100 as Trump weighs broader Iran offensive
The US is moving special operations forces, weapons and medics to the Middle East to give president Donald Trump broader military options as he considers widening the conflict against Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing officials.
In the past week, special operations forces have deployed to the region from US bases, according to flight-tracking data and officials. Squadrons of jet fighters have been staged across the Middle East, and bomber aircraft at bases in the US and UK are on high alert, the Journal reported.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump has warned that attacks on ships in Middle Eastern waterways will be paid for by Iranian cash that he controls.
“Any and all damages done to Ships, Cargo, or anything related thereto, will be paid for by Iranian Money that the United States has in its possession, and controls.
“These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do”, the US president wrote on Truth Social Thursday.
Earlier, Trump said he was seriously considering restarting major combat operations in Iran, including strikes that would be bigger than the ones carried out earlier this year.
He told Axios: “They haven’t received enough pain yet.”
