Won’t Rule Out Boots On Ground In Iran: Donald Trump Signals Escalation, Says ‘Big Wave’ Yet To Come

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday hinted at a deeper American role in the intensifying conflict with Iran, suggesting the situation could worsen significantly in the coming days.

In multiple media interactions, Trump spoke about uncertainty within Iran's leadership following the reported killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and warned that major military action may still lie ahead.

Warns Major Offensive Still Ahead

Speaking to CNN, Trump indicated that Washington believes the current phase of the conflict is only the beginning and that stronger operations may follow soon.

"We haven't even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn't even happened. The big one is coming soon," Trump said, telling CNN it was unclear who was now leading the country.

He also emphasised the confusion over the Iranian chain of command after the leadership vacuum.

"We don't know who the leadership is. We don't know who they'll pick," he said.

The remarks come amid growing global concern over a broader regional war as tensions continue to rise across West Asia.

Refuses To Rule Out Ground Troops

Trump also addressed the possibility of deploying American soldiers directly inside Iran, saying he would not make absolute promises against such a move.

"I don't have the yips with respect to boots on the ground - like every president says, 'There will be no boots on the ground.' I don't say it," Trump said after launching strikes Saturday to decapitate Iran's military and political leadership.

"I say 'probably don't need them,' [or] 'if they were necessary," he told NY Post.

His comments mark one of the clearest indications yet that the United States could consider a direct ground intervention if the conflict expands.

Uncertainty Over Iran's Future Leadership

Trump's statements also focused on political instability inside Iran following the reported killing of its supreme leader. U.S. officials, according to his remarks, remain unsure who will take charge of the country's government and military structures.

The uncertainty has raised fears among diplomats that miscalculation or fragmented authority in Tehran could further escalate hostilities and draw more countries into the confrontation.