Trump Orders Military to Prepare New Iran Strikes Amid Collapsed Talks, WSJ Reports

President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to prepare for a new series of strikes against Iran that could begin as early as this weekend, following the collapse of diplomatic negotiations, The Wall Street Journal reported. The directive signals a significant escalation in the six-month conflict, immediately elevating geopolitical risk for global energy markets.

Escalating Tensions

The decision marks a sharp strategic pivot, coming after diplomatic efforts unraveled in the wake of a surprise attack on U.S. troops in Jordan that prompted retaliatory strikes earlier in the week, according to the report. This contrasts with earlier White House signals that negotiations were progressing, highlighting growing administration frustration with Tehran's stance.

President Trump reportedly expressed exasperation with Iranian diplomats during a recent cabinet meeting. He accused them of repeatedly breaking commitments and suggested that more forceful military action was now required to break the stalemate.

Strategic Aims and Potential Targets

The proposed military campaign is reportedly designed to pressure Tehran into abandoning its nuclear ambitions and relinquishing control over the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane. Strategic options under review are said to include:

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• A concentrated campaign to neutralize Iran's missile capabilities.
• Strikes targeting key energy infrastructure, such as power plants and oil refineries.

Following the latest U.S. actions, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to renew its own offensive operations, underscoring a mutual unwillingness to compromise.

Market Impact and Outlook

For investors, the heightened military posture introduces a renewed risk premium to global crude oil markets. Energy traders are on high alert for potential disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for a significant portion of the world's oil supply.

The coming days are a critical test for whether the expanded strikes cause systemic disruptions to global supply networks or force a return to active negotiations. The report also noted that U.S. defense advisers are wary of prolonged operations, which could strain available munitions stockpiles.