Just when you thought the geopolitical landscape could use a little more chaos, President Trump told Axios he's "seriously considering" launching what he described as a massive military operation against Iran, one that would dwarf the strikes carried out during Operation Epic Fury. As Conservative Brief reported, the Memorandum of Understanding between the two nations is apparently "on life support," which is diplomatic speak for "things are going great."
Now, nobody does a teaser quite like this president. "I am considering a massive attack. Bigger than ever before. I am close to making a decision. We are all set for it," Trump declared, sounding less like a commander in chief and more like someone promoting a pay per view event. But two U.S. officials confirmed that no formal orders have actually gone out to the military yet. So we're in that sweet spot where everyone's blood pressure is spiking but technically nothing has happened.
Trump also casually mentioned that Israel "would join in two minutes" if asked, but quickly added that America doesn't need backup from anybody. He did warn, however, that Israeli participation could invite Iranian retaliation against Israel, which is basically the geopolitical equivalent of saying "you can come to the party, but someone might slash your tires."
As for why diplomacy isn't working, Trump offered this gem about the Iranians: "They haven't received enough pain yet." Regional mediators confirmed that Iranian leadership rejected the most recent proposal, with one source noting the Iranians "are not being helpful," which might qualify as the understatement of the century.
Meanwhile, oil prices have rocketed past $100 a barrel because apparently the global economy needed another gut punch. Iran keeps messing with commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran backed Houthi rebels in Yemen decided this was the perfect moment to start targeting Saudi vessels in the Red Sea. Trump hopped on Truth Social to warn that any further Houthi attacks would result in "major military punishment" against both the rebels and Iran itself.
Back in Washington, Congress decided to do what Congress does best: hold symbolic votes that accomplish absolutely nothing. The House voted 214 to 208 to halt Trump's military action without congressional approval. Democrat Pramila Jayapal introduced the measure, and four brave Republican souls, Thomas Massie, Brian Fitzpatrick, Tom Barrett, and Warren Davidson, crossed party lines to support it. The only problem? Concurrent resolutions don't carry the force of law, so it's essentially a strongly worded suggestion.
The Senate tried its own version Thursday evening but fell short at 49 to 47. Republican Susan Collins sided with Democrats while Democrat John Fetterman joined Republicans to kill the measure, proving once again that political party labels are merely decorative accessories.
This marks the second time the House has attempted to rein in presidential war powers, but the first since the memorandum of understanding collapsed following an expired ceasefire. So to recap: oil is expensive, diplomacy is stalled, Congress is powerless, and the biggest military decision in years is still pending. Stay tuned, folks.
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