US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have defended their government’s stance towards Iran, with Trump raising the possibility of violence against Iran’s leadership. Vance wrote a lengthy missive defending Trump’s handling of the conflict and blaming Iran for continuing its nuclear enrichment programme. “The president has made clear that Iran cannot have uranium enrichment. And he said repeatedly that this would happen one of two ways – the easy way or the ‘other’ way,” Vance wrote.
The vice president proceeded to explain what the “other way” might look like. “The president has shown remarkable restraint in keeping our military’s focus on protecting our troops and protecting our citizens,” Vance said. “He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment. That decision ultimately belongs to the president.”
Trump himself upped the ante, appearing to threaten Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and calling for the country’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER”. “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Trump wrote. “He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”
The two messages arrive as Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile fire, with experts fearing the outbreak of a wider regional war. The prospect has raised questions about whether and how the US might become involved. Trump has indicated he had prior knowledge of Israel’s initial attack on June 13, and news reports indicate that the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has petitioned Trump to join its military campaign against Iran.
Shifting Tone and Potential US Involvement
Critics have speculated that Trump may be gradually building a case for more direct US involvement in the conflict. Prior to the last five days of bombing, the US and Iran had been engaged in months of negotiations to limit Iran’s nuclear programme. Another round of talks had been scheduled for last weekend, but was cancelled amid the escalating violence. The US has since repositioned warships and military aircraft in the region, in the name of “protecting US forces”.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said, “These deployments are intended to enhance our defensive posture in the region.” Trump, meanwhile, has framed the conflict as a result of Iran’s unwillingness to curtail its nuclear programme. “They should have done the deal. I told them: ‘Do the deal’,” Trump told reporters. “So I don’t know. I’m not too much in the mood to negotiate.”
Concerns and Criticisms
Critics, including some lawmakers and advocacy groups, have expressed concerns about potential US involvement in the conflict. US Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a Republican, and his Democratic colleague Ro Khanna of California have announced plans to introduce a bill called the Iran War Powers Resolution, which would require the president to seek congressional approval before engaging in the conflict.
Yasmine Taeb, legislative and political director for the advocacy group MPower Change Action Fund, noted that Trump’s comments raise questions about the sources he is relying on for information. “It’s just reprehensible and incredibly reckless that Trump is not even relying on guidance from his own intelligence,” she said.
Jamal Abdi, the president of the National Iranian American Council, also expressed concerns about Trump’s approach. “This makes really clear that this is a war of choice,” he said. “If he’s not listening to his own intelligence community, who is he listening to? Is it Netanyahu?”