Trump leans toward escalating military operations against Iran

Following consultations with top advisors, White House leader Donald Trump is increasingly leaning toward expanding the military operation against Iran, Report informs via The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

According to an informed source cited by The Wall Street Journal, the list of options currently being analyzed by the US administration includes intensifying airstrikes on the territory of the Islamic Republic, deploying ground forces to establish control over islands near the Strait of Hormuz, and launching strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure.

At the same time, several US officials told the WSJ that Trump would prefer to avoid deploying a ground contingent inside Iran. The newspaper noted that he has repeatedly backed away from his previous statements regarding intentions to take control of Kharg Island and the country's oil industry.

Should the president ultimately approve these measures, it would mark the most dangerous phase of the confrontation for the United States, the WSJ warns. The publication points out that under such a development, Washington would find itself drawn even deeper into the Middle East conflict, which would lead to rising fuel costs and damage the Republican Party's electoral prospects in the midterm congressional elections in November.