Reports suggest the Trump administration may be on the verge of initiating a war. The situation in the Middle East is described as being much closer to a large-scale conflict than most Americans realize.

Axios reported on the 18th (local time) that if the United States were to launch military operations against Iran, it would "likely lead to a large-scale and protracted operation, resembling a full-blown war more closely."

The outlet also cited sources indicating that it would "likely be a much broader U.S.-Israeli joint operation, with far more devastating consequences for the Iranian regime than the 12-day war led by Israel."

According to Axios' analysis, President Trump missed an opportunity to attack Iran earlier this year when the Iranian regime swiftly suppressed protests that led to the deaths of thousands of demonstrators. Since then, he has pursued a dual strategy of nuclear negotiations and significant military buildup.

President Trump has indicated that he desires a deal but has also suggested military action if an agreement is not reached. Currently, the likelihood of an agreement being finalized appears low.

President Trump's advisors, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, held a three-hour meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Tuesday.

While both sides stated that the talks "showed progress," significant differences remain, and U.S. officials are not optimistic about bridging the gap.

Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that while the meeting "went well in some respects," it also "revealed that the President has clearly set certain red lines that the Iranian side has not yet acknowledged or sought to address."

U.S. military presence in the Middle East has been reinforced, now including two aircraft carriers, twelve warships, hundreds of fighter jets, and various air defense systems.

Additionally, U.S. military transport aircraft have delivered weapons systems and ammunition to the region over 150 times.

Axios reported that "in the last 24 hours alone, an additional 50 fighter jets, including F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s, have been dispatched to the region."

Meanwhile, two Israeli officials stated that Israel is targeting not only Iran's nuclear and missile programs but also regime change, and is preparing for the possibility of war erupting within days.

Some U.S. sources told Axios that the U.S. might need more time. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) suggested that an attack could be weeks away.

One close associate of President Trump was quoted by Axios as saying, "People around him are warning against war with Iran, but I believe there is a 90% chance of armed conflict in the coming weeks."

U.S. officials stated after the meeting on Tuesday the 17th that Iran must present concrete proposals within two weeks.

This timeline is shorter than the one President Trump had previously indicated, which was within a month.

Previously, on June 19th, the White House gave President Trump a two-week grace period to decide between further negotiations or airstrikes, and just three days later, 'Operation Midnight Hammer' was carried out.

Axios added that with no evidence of an imminent diplomatic breakthrough, the signs point more towards an impending war.

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter of U.S. NNP / Special Correspondent for this paper NNP info@newsandpost.com