In a fiery address from the Oval Office on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump warned that the United States stands ready to launch additional attacks on Iran unless Tehran “makes peace” and abandons any intention of rebuilding its nuclear capabilities. His comments, issued just days after U.S. bombers and naval vessels struck Iranian facilities, have raised the stakes in an already volatile region and drawn swift reactions from lawmakers and foreign leaders alike.
@POTUS “If Iran does not choose the path of peace, they will face further precision strikes. We will defend America’s security.” View on X
Trump framed the new pledge as a response to what he described as “relentless hostility” from Iran’s leadership, pointing to recent missile tests and support for proxy militias. He stressed that the initial strikes on Fordow and Natanz were just “the beginning,” and that any attempt to reconstitute nuclear sites would be met with “immediate consequences.”
“We do not seek endless war,” the President insisted, “but we will not allow our enemies to threaten our homeland or our allies. The choice is theirs: dismantle your nuclear ambitions, or prepare for more strikes.”
The White House posted a full transcript of Trump’s remarks on its official site, accompanied by video highlights. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre added on the @PressSec account that “all options remain on the table until Iran commits to verifiable denuclearization.”
@PressSec “President Trump’s message is clear: dismantle nuclear programs or face further action.” via X
Iran’s response was equally unambiguous. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on its @IRGCofficial channel that any additional U.S. strikes would be met with “harsh reprisals against American forces and interests across the region.”
@IRGCofficial “Should the occupiers repeat their aggression, they will witness a storm of resistance they cannot withstand.” via X
On Capitol Hill, reactions split along party lines. Senate Majority Leader @SenSchumer commended the administration’s resolve but called for congressional approval of any future military action. “The President must not bypass Congress on war powers,” Schumer told Politico.
@SenSchumer “We support strong defense—but matter-of-war decisions require Congress.” via X
Senator @SenSanders denounced the threats as “reckless brinkmanship” in a post to X, arguing that “bombing Iran into submission will only deepen the cycle of violence.” He urged renewed diplomacy under the State Department’s Iran policy framework.
@SenSanders “We cannot bomb our way to lasting peace—dialogue is the only answer.” via X
Representative @AOC took to X as well, calling for a vote under the War Powers Resolution: “The Constitution is clear—only Congress can authorize war.”
@AOC “President Trump’s unilateral threats risk dragging us into another endless war—Congress must act.” via X
Internationally, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned that “the use of force must always be a last resort,” in a statement on the UN website. European leaders, including French President Macron, urged both sides to return to the JCPOA framework for verifiable inspections and constraints on enrichment.
On the ground, U.S. Central Command confirmed additional carrier strike group deployments to the Arabian Sea, and Patriot air-defense batteries were moved to Jordan and Kuwait in anticipation of Iranian retaliation. CENTCOM’s official release emphasized readiness to protect American personnel and regional partners.
Financial markets reacted quickly: Brent crude jumped 4% to $90 a barrel on fears of Gulf disruptions, per Bloomberg, and defense stocks rallied on expectations of increased U.S. military spending.
Humanitarian groups expressed alarm at the prospect of civilian casualties. The International Committee of the Red Cross urged all parties to “adhere to international humanitarian law” and protect non-combatants, as detailed in their latest bulletin.
Analysts stress a narrow window for de-escalation. A Council on Foreign Relations report outlines potential Iranian reprisals, from proxy attacks in Iraq to closing the Strait of Hormuz. “Missteps on either side could trigger a full-scale war,” warns the study.
As Trump’s ultimatum reverberates worldwide, the question remains: will Iran stand down and re-enter negotiations, or will both nations be drawn deeper into conflict? With war powers debates heating up in Congress and allies calling for restraint, the coming days may prove decisive for peace—or the path to another costly confrontation.
