Topline
A growing coalition of Republicans are speaking out against U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, indicating they could break with President Donald Trump if he decides to strike Iran.
President Donald Trump speaks to the press as workers install a large flag pole on the South Lawn of … More
Key Facts
The issue has divided his Republican allies, with war hawks such as Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a close confidant to Trump on military matters, suggesting the U.S. should do whatever it takes to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while self-described “America First” Republicans, such as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have openly opposed the idea.
Greene derided Republicans who she said are “slobbering for the U.s. to become fully involved” in the conflict in a post on X, writing that “everyone is finding out who are the real America First/MAGA and were fake,” warning that entering the war could be expensive and deadly.
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who is also against U.S. intervention, clashed with Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, in an interview posted Tuesday in which Carlson accused Cruz of not knowing enough about Iran to want the U.S. to become involved in the conflict, after Cruz told Fox News on Sunday “it is very much in the interest of America to see regime change in Iran.”
Trump ally Steve Bannon also told reporters Wednesday “the Israelis have to finish what they started” and that Trump “should take time to think this through with his advisers.”
Trump told reporters Wednesday “we’re not looking for a long-term war . . . I only want one thing—Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, that’s it,” appearing to respond to concerns from some of his Republican allies that U.S. military involvement could start a years-long war.
Trump suggested Wednesday the GOP resistance wouldn’t affect his decision: “I may have some people that are a little bit unhappy now, but I have some people that are very happy . . . very simply, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Key Background
Trump refused to say Wednesday whether he’s leaning toward becoming involved in the conflict, telling reporters “I may do it, I may not,” when asked if he would strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. Trump’s rhetoric toward Iran has become increasingly threatening in recent days, as Israel has claimed Tehran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones since Friday. On Tuesday, Trump warned that he knew where Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was hiding, and that he wouldn’t accept anything less than “unconditional surrender” from Tehran.
Further Reading
Iran Calls Trump Claim They Reached Out ‘Despicable’ (Forbes)
