p>In a blistering interview, former President Trump said he would “absolutely” consider launching fresh airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities if elected again, and challenged Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei to relinquish power. Speaking to Reuters, Trump declared that only regime change would bring stability to the Middle East.
@Reuters “Trump: ‘I’d absolutely consider bombing Iran again—it’s the only way to stop their nuclear ambitions.’” view on X
Trump’s comments come amid renewed tensions after last month’s U.S. strike on an Iranian drone launch site. The former president said his hypothetical second term would include more “decisive action” against what he called “terrorist proxies” and “rogue regimes” CNN reports.
He directly addressed Supreme Leader Khamenei: “Tell him to get out of the way—or I’ll do it for him.” Trump suggested that if Iran’s leadership did not capitulate, he would authorize a wave of B-2 stealth bomber raids similar to those in early July. “I’d hit them fast and hard,” he asserted.
@POTUS45 “Iran’s leadership must step aside—only then can peace be restored. I’d absolutely bomb their sites again.” view on X
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre distanced the Biden administration from Trump’s rhetoric, telling reporters that “diplomacy—not reckless threats—is the path to security.” At a press briefing, she warned that such statements risk inflaming global conflicts.
Legal scholars note that only a sitting president has the authority to order military strikes. Prof. Jack Goldsmith of Harvard Law School told Politico that “Trump’s vow is political posturing; actual orders require National Security Council coordination and congressional notification.”
@Politico “Legal experts: President’s bombing vow raises separation-of-powers questions.” view on X
In Tehran, state media blasted Trump’s remarks. IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani: “Such threats only confirm U.S. aggression—our nation stands united under the Supreme Leader.” The statement, carried by IRNA, urged Americans to “reject warmongers” at the ballot box.
@IRNA_English “Iran denounces Trump’s bombing threats as desperation—calls for unity under Khamenei.” view on X
European allies reacted with alarm. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned that “threats of unilateral strikes undermine collective security.” In a press release, he called for restraint and adherence to international law.
Senate Foreign Relations Chair Bob Menendez (D-NJ) condemned Trump’s stance: “This is not a game. Such reckless talk endangers American troops and emboldens extremists.” He described the remarks as “deeply irresponsible” in comments to CNN Politics.
@SenatorMenendez “Threatening new bombings is dangerous grandstanding—America deserves better leadership.” view on X
Conversely, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) praised Trump’s “strength” and said he “might just have the right approach” to deter Tehran. On X, Graham wrote: “Peace through strength—if Trump’s ready, Iran knows we mean business.”
@LindseyGrahamSC “Trump’s tough talk keeps Iran off balance—sometimes that’s the best deterrent.” view on X
Public reaction is split. A Pew poll finds 48% of Americans approve of “strong military action” against Iran, while 44% prefer diplomatic solutions. Among Republicans, support for another strike jumps to 78%, but only 23% of Democrats agree.
Markets dipped on the news. Brent crude rose 2.5% to $92.50 per barrel, as Bloomberg reports traders priced in higher risk premiums. Gold surged to a six-week high amid safe-haven demand.
Military analysts caution that bombing Iran’s deeply buried facilities would require repeated sorties and risk civilian casualties. Col. Mark Lewis, retired USAF pilot, told Defense News that “without ground intel and allied support, any campaign risks becoming protracted and costly.”
@DefenseNews “Experts: Iran’s hardened sites complicate any new U.S. bombing runs.” view on X
Human rights groups also voiced concerns. Amnesty International’s USA director, Paul O’Brien, said “indiscriminate bombing violates international humanitarian law. Civilians would suffer immeasurably.”
Trump’s challenge to Khamenei—to resign or face bombardment—echoes his broader “maximum pressure” strategy first enacted in 2018. Critics argue it failed to curb Tehran’s ambitions, while supporters claim it kept Iran’s nuclear program in check CFR backgrounder.
With the 2026 election looming, Trump’s hawkish posture may galvanize his base but risks alienating moderates. Whether such threats translate into policy or remain campaign rhetoric will be a defining question for his potential second term.
