Trump leaning towards escalation with Iran, source tells 'Post'

Jerusalem Post/Middle East/Iran NewsTrump "understands that, barring an unexpected development, the chances of a diplomatic solution [with Iran] is now virtually nonexistent," an official told the Post.Follow us on GoogleUS President Donald Trump steps off Air Force One upon arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, New York on July 17, 2026.(photo credit: Mandel NGAN / AFP via Getty Images)ByAMICHAI STEINJULY 19, 2026 20:36Updated: JULY 19, 2026 20:52US President Donald Trump is leaning toward further escalation with Iran, according to statements by several Israeli and American officials on Sunday."It appears President Trump is preparing to expand the campaign against Iran," one official told The Jerusalem Post. "The remaining questions are 'how much' and 'when.' He understands that, barring an unexpected development, the chances of a diplomatic solution is now virtually nonexistent." However, another official cautioned that Trump has changed course "at the last minute" before, noting that his position could still shift.Israel's current assessment is that Iran will refrain from launching attacks against Israel as long as the United States does not significantly escalate its military campaign against Tehran.Smoke rises from an explosion at an unknown location, during what U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) says are strikes on Iran, in this screen grab taken from a handout video released on July 18, 2026. (credit: U.S. Central Command/Handout via REUTERS)Regarding the possibility of Israel joining the strikes on Iran, two Israeli officials told the Post that it could happen under three scenarios: if Iran launches attacks against Israel, if Israeli intelligence detects that Iran is preparing to launch missiles or drones at Israel, or if Trump formally requests Israeli participation in the operation.Netanyahu hints at escalationDuring a meeting of the Likud Constitution Committee, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that an escalation could occur in the coming days."I support holding the primaries, but there is a possibility that we could face an exceptional security situation that would make it difficult to hold campaign events," said Netanyahu. "It could coincide with election day or occur beforehand, making it difficult to conduct the vote."Follow us on Google