President Trump escalated his rhetoric against Iran on Tuesday, issuing a threat on social media against its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and taking credit for having “complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”
High-stakes Situation Room meeting:
President Trump convened a ~1-hour-20-minute meeting with his national security team at the White House to discuss U.S. policy in the wake of the intensifying war between Israel and Iran
Potential strike on Fordow facility:
Trump is reportedly “seriously considering” military strikes against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, particularly the underground uranium enrichment site at Fordow
Abrupt G7 departure:
Trump cut short his attendance at the G7 summit in Canada, returned early to Washington, and stated he seeks a “real end” to the war—not a temporary ceasefire or diplomatic truce
Aggressive Truth Social messaging:
Ahead of the meeting, Trump posted defiant messages on Truth Social, including “complete control” of Iran’s skies, knowledge of Ayatollah Khamenei’s location, and demands for Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”
Vice President Vance pushes back:
VP J.D. Vance defended Trump’s hardline posture and responded to criticism from some MAGA commentators against deeper U.S. involvement
On Tuesday, Trump suggested that Iran would cross a red line if it attacked U.S. assets in the Middle East. “We don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin,” Trump said.
He had earlier told reporters that he didn’t think Iran would strike U.S. assets in the region because of the risk of retaliation. “Oh, we’ll come down so hard. If they do anything to our people, we’ll come down so hard. Then the gloves are off so beautifully,” Trump said. “I think they know not to touch our troops. We’ll find out.”
Some lawmakers are working to block any U.S. military involvement in the conflict without their approval. On Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., introduced a resolution in the House that would prevent Trump from engaging in “unauthorized hostilities” against Iran without an explicit declaration of war or authorization from Congress. The resolution was co-sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.. A similar push was being led in the Senate by Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine.