Tensions rise as President Trump weighs military options against Iran
(NBC)- Amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, President Donald Trump is facing a critical decision inside the White House: how far the U.S. should go to support Israel in dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.
“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” the president said Tuesday, following a high-level meeting in the White House Situation Room with his national security team. During the meeting, Trump reportedly called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and reviewed a range of military options — including a potential U.S. strike on one of Iran’s deeply buried nuclear enrichment sites, which would require a bunker-busting bomb delivered by an American warplane.
The potential for U.S. military involvement has drawn strong reactions from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Many are urging the president to seek Congressional approval before any military action.
“We should have some say so about it,” said Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), while Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) warned that launching B-52 bombers could trigger “yet another war in the Middle East.”
At the same time, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) expressed support for a U.S. strike, stating, “You can never have any real peace in the region if Iran is able to maintain a nuclear program.”
Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) remains hopeful for a diplomatic solution, saying, “Iran coming to the negotiating table and agreeing to end their nuclear program” is still the preferred path.
President Trump, however, suggested his patience is wearing thin. “They should have done the deal. I told them do the deal. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate,” he said.
