Washington, DC – Congressman Thomas Massie, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s foreign policy, urged the administration to withdraw from the war with Iran, warning that further delays could weaken the country’s political and military leverage. In a post on the social media platform X, he wrote, “Iran is waiting to see at least three more cards played before it capitulates or backs down: Will the US strategic oil reserves run out? Will the region’s missile defenses run out? Will the Republicans lose their majority?” He added, “We should walk off the table before any of those cards are played.”
Qalibaf affirms Iran’s victory and emphasizes the consolidation of stability.
Conversely, Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran had won the war, but must consolidate and solidify this victory in the long term, according to Al Jazeera. He added that the nation must maintain hope for a bright future. Ghalibaf made these remarks at the Iranian Parliamentary Coordination Council, as reported by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency. He emphasized that Iranian officials must first and foremost expand the executive branch and the powers of the Supreme Leader, indicating that any efforts to build a strong Iran must begin from this point.
American plans for a new attack and hardened stances
The Wall Street Journal, citing senior U.S. officials, reported that President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. military to draw up plans for a new attack on Iran that could begin as early as this weekend and last for several days. The newspaper quoted the same sources as saying that Trump formally approved the new attack plan, which was presented to him during meetings at Camp David.
Officials indicated that the door to diplomacy was not entirely closed, noting that “any immediate progress on the diplomatic track” could persuade Trump to halt the planned attacks and return to the negotiating table. They also pointed out, however, that the president’s volatile nature meant he could easily change his mind at any moment. The report stated that Trump “had been telling his aides behind closed doors for weeks that the Iranians were crazy,” adding that he had confided in those close to him that the interim peace agreement was ultimately meaningless and that he had always known it was doomed to fail.
Continued intransigence and fears of ammunition depletion
The American newspaper noted that neither side appears close to softening its stance or offering substantial concessions, as President Trump continues to insist on stringent conditions, including Tehran’s complete abandonment of its nuclear program and relinquishing control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. In response, the Islamic Republic reiterated its firm rejection of both demands, effectively closing the door to a temporary settlement.
The newspaper added that among the most prominent military options presented to Trump is a proposal to launch an intensive two-week air campaign, primarily aimed at weakening and destroying Iran’s advanced missile capabilities. However, The Wall Street Journal noted that Trump’s military advisors have expressed serious reservations and concerns, pointing out that the risk of depleting and reducing the strategic reserve of American munitions represents a challenge and a potential danger that must be considered before embarking on such a large-scale military operation in the region.
