Story perspectives

Trump nears decision on resuming large-scale Iran attacks

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 6:14 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is nearing a decision to resume large-scale attacks against Iran.
He will consult Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman leaders at the UN General Assembly before deciding.
He claimed the naval blockade stopped all Iranian ships, saying “they tried, and we blew them up.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military will keep Middle East force levels through year-end.

History

Historical Context

In April 1988, the United States executed Operation Praying Mantis, a large-scale naval retaliation against Iran following the mine-damaged USS Samuel B. Roberts. The strike sank four Iranian warships, disabled two oil platforms, and killed 55 Iranian personnel, according to the U.S. Navy. Today, President Donald Trump invokes that 1988 precedent while consulting Saudi Arabia, Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman at the UN General Assembly. The 1988 operation demonstrated that decisive naval force can reshape regional calculations, warning that renewed U.S. strikes could again alter Gulf security dynamics.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump said he is nearing a decision to resume large-scale attacks against Iran.
He will consult Saudi, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman leaders at the UN General Assembly before deciding.
He claimed the naval blockade stopped all Iranian ships, saying “they tried, and we blew them up.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said the U.S. military will keep Middle East force levels through year-end.

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