US President Donald Trump has said the United States may launch another military operation against Iran as the conflict approaches its eight-month mark and rising fuel prices weigh on the upcoming US midterm elections.
Speaking at a rally in Florida on Friday, Trump used the US military’s name for its war on Iran, telling supporters, “We may do another little Epic Fury”, without providing further details.
Earlier that day, he said the US had the capability to end the war quickly but questioned whether Washington should pursue a swift conclusion or allow the conflict to wind down gradually, reports Reuters.
Trump, who has given shifting goals and timelines for the war, said in recent campaign remarks that the conflict would end soon, “one way or the other”. Earlier this month, he said Washington would not attack Iran before the 3 November elections.
The elections will determine control of Congress, where Trump’s Republican Party currently holds narrow majorities in both chambers.
The conflict began on 28 February, when the US and Israel attacked Iran, prompting Tehran to retaliate with strikes on Israel and Gulf states hosting US military bases.
Combined US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed thousands of people and displaced millions.
The hostilities have also driven up global oil and gas prices. Iranian officials have warned that Tehran plans a broader retaliation if the war resumes.
Two senior Iranian security officials said Iran had drawn up detailed plans to target undersea communications cables in the Gulf if the US and Israel launch further attacks on Iran.
