WASHINGTON (Realist English). President Donald Trump has ordered preparations for a fresh attack on Iran aimed at forcing Tehran to capitulate.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the strikes could begin as early as 1–2 August and last for several days.
Simultaneously, the US State Department issued an emergency warning for American citizens in the region, recommending that they leave Middle Eastern countries or be prepared for immediate evacuation if the situation deteriorates.
Order for capitulation
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump ordered a new attack on Iran with the goal of “forcing Tehran to capitulate.” The attack could begin as early as 1–2 August and last several days.
According to the publication, Trump has repeatedly complained to his inner circle that the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran proved meaningless. In private conversations with aides, the president referred to Iran’s leadership as “psychos.”
However, even after the operation is approved, rapid progress on the diplomatic track could convince the president to call it off.
‘We will hit them very hard’
On 31 July, speaking to cabinet members at the Camp David presidential retreat, Trump said: “We will hit them very hard. And at some point they’re going to say, ‘We just can’t take it anymore.'”
“We just want to win,” the president added. Later, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration “will not allow this terrorist behaviour to continue,” and Iran “will pay until it comes to the negotiating table.”
Trump also said he is losing faith in negotiations with Iran, accusing Tehran of “constantly violating its commitments.”
Strikes on energy and nuclear sites
According to CBS News, the US and Israel are planning one of the most extensive bombardments of Iran’s energy infrastructure in recent times. Targets could include oil refineries and power plants.
CNN, citing sources, reports that US military forces have prepared for a series of strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including a site located under Mount Pikex south of Tehran. According to US and Israeli intelligence, Iran has moved a large number of nuclear centrifuges into underground tunnels beneath Mount Pikex.
Israel has been notified of the planned strikes and is coordinating with the US. However, according to sources, some presidential aides strongly opposed the resumption of bombing.
Trump has not yet given final approval for the strikes. US leadership discussed the possibility of completing the operation by the opening of financial markets on 3 August due to concerns about the economic impact.
Warning for US citizens
Amid preparations for the strikes, the US State Department issued an urgent warning. US embassies in Amman (Jordan), Baghdad (Iraq) and Jerusalem posted identical statements on social media: “US citizens in the region should consider leaving or be prepared to depart in the event of escalating conflict.”
The statement also said: “US citizens in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance, and be prepared for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and travel disruptions.”
The US Embassy in Jordan warned citizens not to approach US military bases that have recently come under Iranian rocket fire. In Israel, Americans were urged to locate the nearest bomb shelters in advance.
The US Embassy in Jerusalem stated: “The Iranian regime is unpredictable, as evidenced by its recent decisions to attack various targets in the region without warning and without provocation, expanding its strike zone to previously unaffected areas (such as Egypt).”
Escalation on the ground: Kuwait downs drones, tanker attacked in Hormuz
The situation on the ground has already begun to heat up. On 1 August, Kuwait’s armed forces said they were repelling a wave of Iranian drone attacks. The drones hit “a number of vital facilities,” including a government structure in the north of the country. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties. Kuwait’s Bubiyan Island, located near major US military facilities, was also hit by falling debris.
At the same time, British naval forces reported an attack on a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. A projectile struck the vessel’s engine room. Iran has repeatedly attacked ships attempting to transit the strait without its permission.
Iran, for its part, is demonstrating readiness to respond. A senior Tehran official said Iran has a “comprehensive plan” for retaliation in the event of attacks on its energy infrastructure. Major General Ali Abdollahi accused Washington of “increasingly belligerent rhetoric.”
The conflict, which began in February 2026, has fluctuated between lulls and escalations. The June ceasefire agreement was violated, and now the sides are once again on the brink of full‑scale escalation.
Trump is ready to strike a blow that should “break Tehran’s will.” Iran is ready to respond. The State Department has warned Americans of the risks. The Middle East is holding its breath. The only question is whether the strikes will follow in the coming hours – or whether diplomacy will prevail at the last moment.
