Trump Threatens Military Action Against Iran's Missile Program

Trump Suggests Military Actions Against Iran

President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that Washington may consider additional military actions against Iran if Tehran renews its nuclear program or missile capabilities. Speaking in Florida, Trump did not rule out a follow-up attack after the airstrikes in June that damaged three Iranian nuclear facilities.

"I am now hearing that Iran is trying to re-strengthen itself, and if it does, we will have to stop them," Trump told reporters. "We will destroy them. But hopefully, that won’t happen." Trump's threat came while he welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump asserted that the U.S. and Israel have been "extremely victorious" against their enemies, referencing the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the attacks against Iran in June.

When asked if the U.S. would support an Israeli strike against Iran targeting Tehran's missile program, Trump replied, "If they continue with the missiles, yes; nuclear, quickly. Okay, one would be yes, absolutely. The other is: We will do it immediately." A new wave of attacks against Iran could stir internal opposition in the U.S., including from segments of Trump's support base.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a proponent of a hardline approach against Iran and a close ally of Trump, visited Israel this month and reiterated concerns about the dangers posed by Iran's long-range missiles. "We cannot allow Iran to produce ballistic missiles because they could overwhelm the Iron Dome," he stated. Iran has ruled out negotiating its missile program, which is part of its defense strategy.

Trump mentioned that Iran should "make a deal" with the U.S., adding that it would have been wiser for Tehran to reach an agreement prior to the past attacks. The prospect of renewed warfare in the Middle East comes just weeks after the Trump administration released a National Security Strategy, calling for a redirection of foreign policy resources away from this region toward the Western Hemisphere.

Advocates warn that another episode of attacks against Iran could escalate into a longer and broader war. Trita Parsi, executive vice president at the Quincy Institute, stated that Iran's response would be "much harsher" if the country were attacked again.