President Trump returned to the White Home early on June 17, 2025, reducing his time quick on the G7 summit in Canada as a result of he mentioned he wished to deal with the Iran-Israel battle.
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Al Drago/Getty Photos
President Trump escalated his rhetoric in opposition to Iran on Tuesday, issuing a risk on social media in opposition to its Supreme Chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and taking credit score for having “full and complete management of the skies over Iran.”
“We all know precisely the place the so-called ‘Supreme Chief’ is hiding. He’s a straightforward goal, however is protected there — We aren’t going to take him out (kill!), at the least not for now,” Trump mentioned in a put up — one in a collection of statements he made earlier than assembly together with his nationwide safety group within the White Home State of affairs Room concerning the battle.
That may be a rhetorical step additional than Trump had gone on Monday. He had been requested about whether or not he wished to see regime change in Iran, and replied: “I wish to see no nuclear weapon in Iran, and we’re properly on our method to ensuring that occurs.”
On Tuesday, Trump recommended that Iran would cross a crimson line if it attacked U.S. property within the Center East. “We do not need missiles shot at civilians, or American troopers. Our persistence is carrying skinny,” Trump mentioned.
He had earlier informed reporters that he did not suppose Iran would strike U.S. property within the area due to the chance of retaliation. “Oh, we’ll come down so onerous. In the event that they do something to our folks, we’ll come down so onerous. Then the gloves are off so fantastically,” Trump mentioned. “I believe they know to not contact our troops. We’ll discover out.”
Folks stand on a rooftop amidst billowing smoke following an overinght Israeli strike in Tehran on June 17, 2025.
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Atta Kenare/AFP
Some lawmakers wish to block U.S. army involvement
When Israel launched its strikes on Iran’s nuclear amenities final week, the White Home had sought to clarify that it was not concerned, issuing an announcement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Israel had carried out the strikes unilaterally.
However on Tuesday, Trump recommended on social media that america was concerned to some extent in any case. “We now have full and complete management of the skies over Iran,” Trump mentioned, noting that American gear was getting used.
Some lawmakers are working to dam any U.S. army involvement within the battle with out their approval. On Tuesday, Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., launched a decision within the Home that may forestall Trump from participating in “unauthorized hostilities” in opposition to Iran with out an express declaration of battle or authorization from Congress. The decision was co-sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif.. An identical push was being led within the Senate by Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine.
“The continued battle between Israel and Iran just isn’t our battle,” Massie mentioned in an announcement. “Even when it had been, Congress should resolve such issues in line with our Structure.”
As soon as launched, the Home and Senate can be compelled to vote on the measures. However Republicans have been very reluctant to rein in Trump’s energy on different points and stay publicly divided on Iran. Congress voted to invoke the Battle Powers Decision in 2020 to constrain Trump’s actions in opposition to Iran throughout his first administration. Trump vetoed that measure and Congress didn’t override the veto.
Trump on Tuesday referred to as for “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” from Iran — and didn’t point out something about negotiating with Iran, which beforehand had been his focus. Earlier on Tuesday, reporters had requested Trump whether or not he would ship Vice President Vance and his particular envoy Steve Witkoff to barter with Iranian officers.
“Is dependent upon what occurs once I get again,” he informed reporters touring with him from the G7 in Canada. “I do not know. I am not an excessive amount of in a temper to barter.”
President Trump and Tucker Carlson converse throughout a marketing campaign occasion in Phoenix, Arizona, on Oct. 31, 2024.
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The battle has divided Trump supporters
Trump has lengthy been identified for his “America First” ethos and non-interventionist stance, campaigning to disentangle america from overseas wars. As Israel’s strikes on Iran have intensified, a few of his distinguished supporters have urged him to not become involved within the battle.
Trump has bristled at a few of the criticism, notably from former Fox Information host Tucker Carlson. “Any individual please clarify to kooky Tucker Carlson that, ‘IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!'” Trump posted on his social media platform.
On Tuesday, the White Home circulated a protracted listing of quotes from Trump over time looking for to indicate that he has lengthy held the place that Iran’s nuclear program should be stopped.
Vice President Vance additionally weighed in on social mediasaying Trump had proven “restraint” within the disaster however has the correct to resolve to get extra concerned.
“He could resolve he must take additional motion to finish Iranian enrichment,” Vance mentioned. “That call finally belongs to the president.”
