Washington, Nov 6: The Trump Iran warning intensified on Thursday as US President Donald Trump raised the possibility of further military action against Iran.
At the same time, senior House Democrats prepared moves to challenge the war. They plan to push for votes to end the conflict and demand answers about its objectives and financial costs.
“I would rather not destroy the rest of the country, if possible, but maybe I’ll have to. You’ll know soon enough,” Trump told reporters at the White House.
However, he gave no timeline or specific targets for further action. He also did not announce any new military strikes.
Trump Warns Iran as Military Action Remains Possible
Trump made the remarks during an Oval Office event. He defended the military campaign and said he would decide whether to take further action.
He also repeated his position that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon.
Reporters asked him about proposals concerning Tehran’s nuclear programme. Trump responded: “They’re not doing anything without our approval.”
However, he did not confirm the details of any proposal. He also offered no clear negotiating framework. His remarks left the next military and diplomatic steps uncertain.
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US Democrats Plan Votes to End Iran War
The president’s warning came as Democrats outlined plans to challenge his Iran policy in Congress.
Representative Gregory Meeks announced plans to introduce resolutions aimed at ending the conflict. He also wants Congress to reclaim its role in decisions on American foreign policy.
Meeks, the senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, outlined his plans in a November 4 letter. He wrote the letter while seeking colleagues’ support to become the committee’s chairman.
“On the legislative front, I intend to bring resolutions to the floor to immediately terminate the President’s war with Iran and will prioritize clawing back Congress’s proper role in the making of American foreign policy,” he wrote.
Meeks also proposed public testimony from senior administration officials. He wants officials to answer questions about the Iran war, Venezuela and disputes over congressional authority.
However, his letter did not set a date for any vote. It also did not identify a newly introduced resolution.
Katherine Clark Questions War Goals and Exit Strategy
Democratic Whip Katherine Clark also criticised the administration’s handling of the conflict.
Earlier, she told CNN that Democrats would question the continued funding of the war. They also want the administration to explain how it plans to bring American troops home safely.
Her office circulated excerpts of the interview before Trump’s afternoon remarks.
Clark accused the president of taking the country into “a reckless war that had no exit strategy, had no clear goals”. She also linked the conflict to rising pressure on household fuel costs.
She said Democrats would seek answers about the administration’s objectives. They also want a clear plan to end the conflict while protecting American citizens and troops.
Meeks and Clark outlined different ways to challenge the administration. Meeks focused on congressional votes and public testimony. Clark highlighted war funding, household costs and the lack of an exit strategy.
Neither statement announced a new restriction on the president’s military authority.
Iran Conflict Raises Concerns for Asian Energy Importers
The Gulf conflict also matters to major Asian energy importers, including India.
The International Energy Agency identifies the Strait of Hormuz as a critical route for global oil shipments. India, China and Japan rank among the major destinations for oil transported through the waterway.
Any disruption to this route could affect energy supplies and markets across Asia.
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–IANS
