On Friday, President Donald Trump suggested that the United States might initiate a fresh military operation against Iran as the ongoing conflict nears its eighth month. The rising fuel costs are putting pressure on the Republican Party ahead of the November 3rd midterm elections.
Addressing a rally in Fort Myers, Florida, Trump mentioned, "We might just do another small Epic Fury," referencing the official name of the U.S. military campaign against Iran. However, he did not provide further details, according to a report by Reuters.
This statement contradicts Trump's previous remarks made just days earlier, where he indicated that the U.S. would not attack Iran before the November elections, which will determine control over Congress, currently held with a slim Republican majority in both chambers.
On the same day, Trump also introduced a strategic dilemma: whether Washington should seek a swift resolution to the conflict or allow it to gradually fade. In his recent campaign speeches, Trump has repeatedly stated that the war will end soon, "one way or another."
Background on Operation Epic Fury
The Operation Epic Fury commenced on February 28, 2026, involving U.S. and Israeli forces striking Iranian military and nuclear sites. In retaliation, Tehran targeted Israeli locations and U.S. bases in the Gulf, resulting in thousands of casualties and millions displaced.
This conflict has had a significant impact on global energy markets. The price of Brent crude oil surged from approximately $67 to over $126 per barrel during the height of the crisis, and maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz plummeted by 97% at its most critical point.
By the end of September, the flow through this vital channel had partially rebounded to over seven million barrels per day, though total exports from the Persian Gulf remained around 72% of pre-war levels.
Rumors of Escalation and Tehran’s Response
As Trump hints at a potential escalation, Bloomberg reported Saturday that the president is preparing for a new offensive post-elections, having dispatched a third aircraft carrier group and an additional 10,000 sailors and marines to the Persian Gulf to increase options for military commanders.
Iran, meanwhile, has not remained idle. Two senior Iranian security officials confirmed to Reuters that Tehran has devised detailed plans to target undersea communication cables in the Gulf if bombing resumes. General Yadollah Javani, the political head of the Revolutionary Guard, warned that Iran might target seven major internet cables running through the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. damages Iranian infrastructure.
Political and Economic Consequences
A provisional 60-day agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran in June 2026 fell apart in weeks. In September, Iran proposed a seven-day ceasefire, which Trump rejected, although indirect negotiations were ongoing by mid-October.
Domestically, political tension is mounting. Some Republican lawmakers are distancing themselves from Trump due to the economic impact of the war, as the average gasoline price in the U.S. exceeded $4.50 per gallon in May 2026, marking a more than 50% increase since the conflict's start.
Bloomberg notes that the war Trump vowed to resolve within weeks "now appears poised to escalate as it enters its eighth month."
Key Questions on U.S.-Iran Tensions
What is Operation Epic Fury?
Operation Epic Fury is the official name for the military campaign initiated by the U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran, targeting military and nuclear sites.
How has the conflict affected global energy markets?
The conflict has disrupted global energy markets, driving Brent crude oil prices from around $67 to over $126 per barrel and significantly reducing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
How is Iran responding to the potential escalation?
Iran has developed plans to attack undersea communication cables in the Gulf if bombings resume, with warnings from General Yadollah Javani about targeting internet cables through the Strait of Hormuz.
What are the domestic political implications for Trump?
Domestically, Trump faces political pressure as some Republican lawmakers distance themselves due to the economic impact of the war, with gasoline prices rising significantly.