President Trump dramatically raised the stakes in the Middle East conflict Wednesday, warning Iran he's delivered an "ultimate ultimatum" while publicly contemplating direct U.S. military involvement in the escalating war between Israel and Iran.
According to The Hill, Trump's remarks came during an Oval Office meeting with reporters where he maintained his characteristic strategic ambiguity. "I have ideas as to what to do," the president stated. "I like to make a final decision one second before it's due."
Trump is scheduled to convene a second meeting with senior military and Cabinet officials in the White House Situation Room late Wednesday as Israel continues its bombardment of Iranian targets that began nearly a week ago.
Unconditional Surrender Demands Spark Tension
The president elaborated on his earlier call for Iran's "unconditional surrender," telling reporters bluntly, "You know what it means. That means I've had it... No more."
"For 40 years they've been saying 'Death to America, Death to Israel'... they were bullies, they were school yard bullies, and now they're not bullies anymore," Trump continued, adding ominously, "But we'll see what happens, right?"
These statements come as Israel intensifies its military campaign against Iran, with missile strikes hitting Tehran early Wednesday morning. Israeli officials claim they've destroyed Iran's Internal Security Headquarters and suggest they could achieve their primary military objectives within the next week or two.
Military Options Divide Republican Lawmakers
The question of potential U.S. involvement has created a significant rift within Republican ranks, with traditional hawks supporting intervention while the anti-war faction warns against breaking campaign promises.
Military analysts suggest options range from targeted strikes using bunker buster bombs on Iran's Fordow nuclear site to a broader strategy potentially aimed at regime change. Israeli officials reportedly hope for American participation, with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant telling CNN that Trump has "the option to change the Middle East and influence the world."
Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) voiced support for intervention, stating: "You're seeing Israel now with overwhelming amounts of force. They know they've got the United States standing side by side with Israel in this very important moment."
MAGA Movement Faces Foreign Policy Test
The escalating conflict has created unusual tensions between prominent Republican figures, highlighted by a contentious exchange between Senator Ted Cruz and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.
When questioned about Iran's population on Carlson's show, Cruz was unable to provide the figure, prompting Carlson to retort, "You don't know the population in the country you seek to topple?" Cruz later fired back on social media, accusing Carlson of circulating a meaningless "gotcha" soundbite.
Similar divisions have emerged between isolationist Republicans like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and interventionists like Sen. Lindsey Graham, creating a significant test of Trump's ability to maintain party unity during a foreign policy crisis.
Tense Standoff With Global Implications
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected calls for surrender despite losing numerous top military officials and scientists. He warned that U.S. involvement would result in "irreparable damage to them."
Russia's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement cautioning Israel against targeting Tehran's nuclear sites, warning such actions could lead to a global "nuclear catastrophe." Meanwhile, both Russia and China have largely remained on the sidelines of the conflict thus far.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Israel is running low on missile interceptors, while Iran is reportedly preparing missiles for a counterattack. The U.S. Embassy in Israel has begun working to evacuate American citizens as the situation deteriorates.
