President Donald Trump has warned that Iran harbours “some evil intentions” and indicated he is contemplating a resumption of major combat operations against the Islamic Republic, including strikes larger than those staged earlier this year.
Escalating rhetoric and continuing strikes
The US president told Axios he was considering restarting large-scale military action, saying Iranian forces had not yet “received enough pain”. The warning followed a series of US military operations described by officials as a sustained campaign: the US conducted its 12th consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran, with the campaign reportedly including the redeployment of B-1 long-range bombers.
“They haven’t received enough pain yet,”
Mr Trump also reiterated his longstanding insistence that Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon, adding that Iran may be open to negotiations but was not yet ready. On the wider regional picture, he linked US military pressure on Iran to recent attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saudi oil tankers, which Washington says were backed by Tehran.
Congress pushes back — but divisions remain
In a rare congressional rebuke of the president’s military posture, the Republican-led US House of Representatives voted to direct Mr Trump to halt military action against Iran unless he secured congressional approval. The resolution passed by a margin of 214 to 208, with four Republicans joining Democrats in support.
The move was undercut within hours by the Senate, which blocked a separate war-powers measure by 49 to 47. Senate leaders argued the procedural block reflected wider concerns about constraining the commander-in-chief in a volatile international crisis.
| Chamber | Result | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| House of Representatives | Resolution to curb military action | 214–208 |
| Senate | Blocked similar measure | 49–47 |
While the House vote constitutes a political admonishment, analysts and lawmakers characterised it as largely symbolic because the resolution faces legal and procedural hurdles and the Senate’s refusal to advance a companion motion limits immediate practical effects.
Regional fallout and energy concerns
The president has tied his threats to a recent surge in attacks on commercial shipping, notably the bombing of two Saudi oil tankers by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Washington has accused the Houthis of acting with Iranian support; the attacks have heightened fears of disruption to key shipping lanes such as the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital artery for global oil shipments.
Mr Trump told reporters that Tehran might be seeking to negotiate but remains intent on expanding its capabilities. He warned in stark terms that the United States would not permit a nuclear-armed Iran.
- 12 consecutive nights of US strikes reported
- B-1 long-range bombers used in recent operations
- House vote 214–208 to limit presidential war powers
The balance between executive action and congressional oversight is likely to dominate US domestic debate in the coming days, even as military operations continue. For the UK and its partners, choices made in Washington will shape diplomatic efforts, regional stability and global markets.
Further hearings and political manoeuvring are expected as lawmakers press for clarity on the legal basis for strikes, the scope of future operations, and the administration’s assessment of risks to civilians and allies. Meanwhile, the administration’s posture suggests Washington is prepared to sustain pressure on Tehran while keeping the option of larger strikes on the table.
