Notes:

On Jan 2, 2026, Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

If Iran shots and violently kills peaceful protesters, which is their custom, the United States of America will come to their rescue. We are locked and loaded and ready to go. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J.TRUMP

Trump's post is in response to anti-government protests in Iran which began about a week ago.

The protests are a result of degrading economic hardships, currency devaluation, and poor living conditions in Iran. They are the largest protests in Iran since the Mahsa Amini protests which began in September of 2022.

Apr 22, 2026 Update

Donald Trump says Iran halted execution of 8 Iranian women
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5843384-iranian-women-spared-execution/

Donald Trump disputes Wall Street Journal editorial on Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5842972-trump-iran-wall-street-journal/

Truth Details | Truth Social
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116445317344745621

Iran provokes US hours after Trump extends truce
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5843226-iran-provokes-us-hours-after-trump-extends-truce/

Donald Trump optimistic he can make better Iran deal than Barack Obama
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5842104-iran-trump-nuclear-deal-jcpoa/

Truth Details | Truth Social
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116438239629407600

Live updates: Iran seizes ships in Strait of Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/live-blog/live-updates-iran-trump-ceasefire-hormuz-attack-peace-talks-israel-rcna341361

Apr 21, 2026 Update

Trump extends Iran ceasefire and naval blockade
https://thehill.com/newsletters/defense-national-security/5842289-trump-extends-iran-ceasefire/

Iran accuses US of violating ceasefire conditions
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5841866-iran-us-ceasefire-trump-naval-blockade/

Xi Jinping calls for Strait of Hormuz to be opened amid Iran conflict
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5840882-xi-jinping-china-iran-conflict-strait-of-hormuz/

Pentagon denies Iranian ships bypassing U.S. blockade
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5841282-iran-us-naval-blockade/

Apr 20, 2026 Update

Trump threatens Iran with bombing if ceasefire ends with no deal
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5839811-iran-ceasefire-trump-deadline-bombing/

Donald Trump disputes Chris Wright on gas price predictions amid Iran war
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5839186-trump-disagrees-energy-secretary/

Iran war: Tehran vows response to US seizure of cargo ship
https://www.dw.com/en/iran-war-tehran-vows-response-to-us-seizure-of-cargo-ship/live-76845923

Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian says 'mistrust' of US remains ahead of peace talks
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5839641-pezeshkian-iran-us-mistrust-talks/

Trump denies Israeli influence on waging Iran war
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5839427-trump-iran-war-israel-influence/

Apr 19, 2026 Update

Trump says US Navy intercepted Iranian-flagged ship in Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5838719-trump-us-navy-intercepts-iranian-ship/

Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until Iran deal is reached: Chris Wright
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5838380-wright-straight-hormuz-closure-iran-deal/

Donald Trump announces Monday peace talks in Islamabad, accuses Iran of ceasefire violation
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5838330-trump-iran-ceasefire-islamabad-talks/

Apr 18, 2026 Update

US military readies to seize ships, board Iran-linked vessels amid Hormuz blockade
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5837883-trump-us-military-iran-linked-vessels-strait-of-hormuz/

Iranian regime reimposes 'strict' control over Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5837564-iran-strict-control-strait-of-hormuz-us-blockade/

Apr 17, 2026 Update

England, France lead 'strictly defensive' global summit on Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5836910-england-france-hormuz-strait-summit/

Iran says Strait of Hormuz open after Israel-Lebanon ceasefire; US blockade remains
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5836133-iran-trump-strait-of-hormuz-lebanon-israel-ceasefire/

Russ Vought, White House budget director, declines to tell senators cost of Iran war
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5835099-defense-funding-request-iran/

Oil prices fall dramatically as Iran announces Strait of Hormuz reopening
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5836380-iran-opens-strait-oil-prices-plummet/

Lebanon-Israel ceasefire: Here's the 6 tenets of the deal
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5836115-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-agreement/

Apr 16, 2026 Update

Senate Republicans block Trump's war powers limit again
https://thehill.com/opinion/lindseys-lens/5834817-trump-iran-conflict-oversight/

Lebanon's president throws cold water on Trump's announcement of direct talks with Israel
https://thehill.com/homenews/5834134-hezbollah-joseph-aoun-lebanon-israel-talks/

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116415122630904602

Apr 15, 2026 Update

Iranian embassy posts AI video of Jesus Christ punching Donald Trump
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5832224-iran-trump-social-media-war/

IAEA chief cautions US in potential Iran talks
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5832414-iran-nuclear-program-iaea-concerns/

US military turns back 6 ships amid Donald Trump's Strait of Hormuz blockade
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5831870-us-military-blockade-strait-of-hormuz-iran-port/

Leavitt denies reporting US is seeking extended ceasefire with Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5832914-us-iran-ceasefire-negotiations/

Apr 14, 2026 Update

Rubio steers Israel-Lebanon talks as Iran tensions persist
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5830563-rubio-steers-israel-lebanon-talks-as-iran-tensions-persist/

Apr 13, 2026 Update

Trump says 34 ships passed through Strait of Hormuz on Sunday
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5829020-strait-hormuz-shipping-increase/

Trump's blockade of Strait of Hormuz takes effect: What to know
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5828980-trump-blockade-strait-hormuz/

Iran taunts Donald Trump over U.S. gas prices amid blockade threat
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5828713-strait-hormuz-iran-us-gas-prices/

Mark Warner questions Trump's blockade of Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5828210-sen-warner-questions-trump-blockade/

Apr 12, 2026 Update

Donald Trump defends 'whole civilization will die' message to Iran: 'I'm fine with it'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5827896-trump-defends-iran-threat-civilization/

Donald Trump: Navy to clean out Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5827840-trump-navy-strait-hormuz-blockade/

Donald Trump announces Navy blockade in Strait of Hormuz after Iran talks fizzle
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5827724-trump-iran-strait-hormuz-blockade/

Iran tells US 'this is the last warning' in radio message amid Strait of Hormuz de-mining push: Report
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5827704-us-iran-strait-hormuz-mines/

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf: US failed to earn Iran's trust in peace talks
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5827682-iran-us-negotiations-failed-trust/

Apr 11, 2026 Update

No agreement between U.S. and Iran after 21 hours of talks, Vance says
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/live-blog/live-updates-trump-iran-hormuz-israel-lebanon-ceasefire-talks-pakistan-rcna285140

US military starts removing mines from Strait of Hormuz amid shaky Iran ceasefire
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5827218-us-military-demining-strait-hormuz/

Donald Trump touts US oil, says empty tankers coming to 'load up' amid Iran tensions
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5826953-donald-trump-us-oil-tankers-iran-war/

Apr 10, 2026 Update

Iran's Speaker: No US talks without Lebanon ceasefire
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5825614-iran-lebanon-israel-us-ceasefire-talks/

Inflation climbs to 4-year high as Iran war drives up energy prices
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5825854-inflation-climbs-to-4-year-high-as-iran-war-drives-up-energy-prices/

Israel ousts Spain from U.S.-led Gaza strategy center
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5825832-israel-netanyahu-spain-iran-war/

Trump ready to use force if Iran talks in Pakistan fail
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5825822-trump-threatens-iran-military-strikes/

Apr 9, 2026 Update

Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will negotiate with Lebanon
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5823923-netanyahu-orders-lebanon-talks/

Fears mount as US, Iran ceasefire appears to crumble
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5823999-fears-mount-as-us-iran-ceasefire-appears-to-crumble/

Live updates: Melania Trump denies Jeffrey Epstein link; Donald Trump holds troops near Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5823453-live-updates-trump-iran/

GOP blocks House Democrats' attempt to limit Donald Trump's Iran war powers
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5823772-iran-war-powers-house-resolution/

NATO chief Mark Rutte: US, Iran conflict could lead to 'North Korea moment'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5823660-rutte-trump-nato-iran/

Marjorie Taylor Greene condemns Donald Trump's Iran threat as 'absolute madness'
https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/5823818-greene-slams-trump-iran-threat/

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam seeks UN help after deadly Israeli strikes
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5823835-lebanese-prime-minister-complaint-un-israel-iran-conflict/

Trump criticizes Iran over Strait of Hormuz restrictions
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5824878-trump-iran-ceasefire-strait-hormuz/

High-stakes ceasefire talks between U.S. and Iran in Pakistan set
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5824835-high-stakes-talks-islamabad-ceasefire/

Donald Trump tells Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu to ease Lebanon strikes
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5824296-israel-lebanon-strikes-trump-netanyahu/

US, Iran reach tenuous ceasefire deal: Five takeaways
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5821880-us-iran-ceasefire-deal-fragility/

Iran restricts Strait of Hormuz as Israel attacks Lebanon
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5822104-iran-strait-of-hormuz-closure-ceasefire/

Iran says ships passing through Strait of Hormuz must pay with crypto
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5821752-iran-ship-toll-cryptocurrency-strait-hormuz/

Donald Trump hails Iran ceasefire deal as US victory
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5821238-donald-trump-iran-nuclear-deal-victory/

Apr 8, 2026 Update

Hegseth hails 'overwhelming victory' in Iran conflict as ceasefire begins
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5821402-us-victory-iran-ceasefire-hegseth/

CNN on Iran government document Trump labeled 'fake': 'It's authentic'
https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5821598-trump-criticizes-cnn-iran-statement/

Oil futures plummet after Donald Trump's Iran ceasefire announcement
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5821573-oil-prices-drop-trump-iran-ceasefire/

Trump threatens 50 percent tariff on Iran arms suppliers
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5821519-trump-iran-military-weapon-tariff/

Donald Trump mulls 'joint' toll program with Iran in Strait of Hormuz amid ceasefire
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5821343-trump-us-iran-ceasefire-deal-joint-venture-strait-of-hormuz/

Pete Hegseth says military was 'locked and loaded' to carry out Trump's Iran civilization threat
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5821433-trump-threatens-iran-civilization/

Apr 7, 2026 Update

Donald Trump suspends Iran attack for 2 weeks
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5820711-trump-ceasefire-iran-hormuz/

Truth Details | Truth Social
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116365796713313030

GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski: Donald Trump Iran threat 'cannot be excused away'
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5820914-murkowski-slams-trump-iran-threat/

Pope condemns Trump's threat to Iran as unacceptable
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5820723-pope-condemns-trump-iran-threat/

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don't want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!

Democrats say Trump's Iran threat cause for 25th Amendment removal or impeachment
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5819669-democrats-trump-removal-25-amendment-impeachment/

UN rejects Bahrain's Strait of Hormuz resolution after opposition from China, Russia
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5819889-china-russia-un-vote-strait-of-hormuz/

Trump's Iran threat met with derision from Iran
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5819712-iran-response-trump-threats/

Live updates: Donald Trump warns Iran as 8 p.m. deadline looms; US strikes Kharg Island
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5818160-live-updates-trump-iran-vance-hungary/

Marjorie Taylor Greene calls for Donald Trump's removal over 'evil' Iran rhetoric
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5819417-greene-25th-amendment-trump-iran-threat/

Tucker Carlson criticizes Trump's Easter Iran threat
https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5819175-tucker-carlson-rips-trump-iran-easter-post/

Trump's ominous warning to Iran: Deal or ‘civilization dies tonight'
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5819708-trumps-ominous-warning-to-iran-deal-or-civilization-dies-tonight/

Iran seeks volunteers to form human chains around power plants as Donald Trump's threat looms
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5819100-iran-trump-threats-power-plans-human-chain/

State Department warns Americans in Middle East ahead of Trump Iran deadline
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5819713-state-department-warning-iran/

Democrats condemn Donald Trump's threat to Iran's 'whole civilization'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5819516-democrats-condemn-trump-iran/

Apr 6, 2026 Update

Trump's 'craziest ever' press conference descends into chaos as he vows to destroy Iran in one night ... so will tonight be D-Day for Tehran?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15710585/Trumps-craziest-press-conference-devolves-chaos-hes-ridiculed-mixed-messages-Iran.html

Israel strikes Iran's largest petrochemical plant
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5817879-israel-strikes-iran-petrochemical-plant/

Iran dismisses 15-point plan for ceasefire with US
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5817761-iran-rejects-us-peace-proposal/

Ceasefire proposal sent to U.S. and Iran by mediators
https://thehill.com/homenews/5817637-us-iran-ceasefire-proposal/

Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal to Iran met with cold shoulder
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5799701-iran-dismissal-us-ceasefire-proposal-pakistan/

Apr 5, 2026 Update

Donald Trump vows to strike Iran infrastructure: 'Open the F---in' Strait' of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5816887-trump-threatens-iran-infrastructure-strait-of-hormuz/

https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116351998782539414

Marjorie Taylor Greene rails against ‘insane' Trump after Easter Iran threat
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5817247-trump-iran-easter-message-greene-criticism/

https://x.com/FmrRepMTG/status/2040789438494585175

Donald Trump declines to rule out ground troops if Iran doesn't make a deal
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5817060-trump-iran-ground-troops/

NATO braces for change amid Donald Trump's withdrawal threats
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5815848-trump-nato-tensions-rise-withdrawal-threats/

US rescues missing service member from downed jet in Iran: Donald Trump
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5816854-us-rescues-missing-service-member-iran/

International jet fuel shortage drives up airfare costs, flight cancellations
https://thehill.com/business/5815792-flight-cancellations-and-fare-hikes/

Apr 4, 2026 Update

World leaders bypass Donald Trump to tackle Strait of Hormuz crisis
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5815706-iran-strait-hormuz-tensions-global-plans/

Trump warns Iran: 48 hours until ‘all hell' rains down
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5816212-trump-warns-iran-time-running-out/

2 US helicopters hit during recovery efforts in Iran
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5815839-us-military-helicopters-iranian-fire/

The cost of 'finishing the job' in Iran: A critical analysis
https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/5813730-war-iran-finish-job/

Apr 3, 2026 Update

U.S. F-15 shot down by Iran; 1 service member rescued
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5814770-us-fighter-jet-f-15-downed-iran/

Austria bans US military plans from its airspace
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5815053-austria-defies-trump-war/

Iran ‘toll booth' on Strait of Hormuz underscores its leverage on Trump, US
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5814089-strait-hormuz-iran-trump-leverage/mlite/

Apr 2, 2026 Update

Five takeaways from Donald Trump's address on Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5812338-trump-address-iran-war/

Major bridge near Tehran hit as Trump threatens to escalate war 
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5813304-iran-bridge-struck-trump/

Iran attacks Israel, Gulf states after Donald Trump's White House address
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5812466-iran-trump-address-response-israel-gulf-state-strikes/

Apr 1, 2026 Update

Takeaways from Trump's speech on Iran | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/takeaways-trumps-speech-iran-2026-04-02/

Trump says Iran has asked for a ceasefire
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5810644-trump-iran-ceasefire-request/

Donald Trump questions U.S. role in NATO, calls it 'paper tiger'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5810608-donald-trump-nato-membership-reconsideration/

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer defends NATO amid Donald Trump's criticism
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5810972-uk-starmer-defends-nato-trump-criticism-iran-conflict/

Former Trump energy secretary warns against leaving Hormuz Strait closed
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5810974-former-trump-energy-secretary-strait-hormuz/

Mar 31, 2026 Update

Trump says Strait of Hormuz is the world's problem: ‘Go get your own oil!' - POLITICO
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/31/trump-strait-of-hormuz-oil-prices-00851611

Truth Details | Truth Social
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116323481956698353

Italy blocks U.S. military aircraft from using Sicily air base
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5809109-us-italy-military-planes-sigonella-air-base-sicily/

Iranian military strikes Kuwaiti oil tanker near Dubai
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5808543-iran-strikes-oil-tanker-dubai-middle-east-war/

Iran's IRGC threatens to target Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta, HP across Mideast
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5809104-iran-irgc-apple-microsoft-google-hp-meta-tesla/

Pete Hegseth: US aims to be 'unpredictable' in putting boots on ground in Iran
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5809015-trump-unpredictable-iran-strategy/

Mar 30, 2026 Update

Donald Trump Iran strategy: Talks and threats combined
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5807135-donald-trump-threatens-iran-energy/

4 ways Iran could strike back if Trump invades Kharg Island
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5805353-iran-response-trump-invasion-kharg-island/

Live updates: Donald Trump threatens Iran's energy sites, weighs raid to seize nuclear material
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5806502-live-updates-trump-threatens-irans-energy-sites-weighs-raid-to-seize-nuclear-material/

Iran destroys $300M US E-3 Sentry satellite aircraft on Saudi base
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5807484-iran-saudi-missile-attack-damages/

Oil surges as Iran war escalates, Trump threatens Kharg Island
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5807346-oil-gas-prices-trump-iran-war-strait-of-hormuz-kharg-island/

Iran vows to 'set on fire' any U.S. troops in country
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5807214-iran-threatens-us-troops/

Mar 29, 2026 Update

Pete Hegseth's religious agenda worries veterans, experts
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5803295-hegseth-christianity-military-pentagon/

War in Iran threatens pharmaceutical supply chain, drug prices
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/5805149-iran-war-pharmaceutical-supply-chain/

Iran puts Europe on notice with ‘game-changer' Diego Garcia missile incident
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5805173-iran-missile-threat-europe/

Mar 28, 2026 Update

Reza Pahlavi: Free Iran within reach, urges U.S. action
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5805935-reza-pahlavi-iran-cpac/

USS Tripoli arrives in Middle East with 3,500 troops
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5805819-uss-tripoli-central-command-middle-east/

Yemen's Houthis launch missile attack on Israel as war with Iran intensifies | US-Israel war on Iran News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/28/yemens-houthis-claim-responsibility-for-a-missile-attack-on-israel-2

CPAC highlights GOP divisions over Donald Trump's Iran war
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5805920-cpac-trump-maga-iran/

Mar 27, 2026 Update

Rubio says Iran war to last weeks, no US ground troops needed
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20260327-rubio-says-iran-war-to-last-weeks-no-us-ground-troops-needed

Israel takes credit for attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5804637-israel-iran-strikes-nuclear-facilities/

Trump extends pause on strikes against Iran's energy infrastructure
https://thehill.com/newsletters/defense-national-security/5803385-trump-extends-pause-on-strikes-against-irans-energy-infrastructure/

Rubio's Europe visit for G7 comes at critical moment in Iran conflict
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5803270-rubio-europe-g7-iran-war/

Mar 26, 2026 Update

Hegseth says he welcomes deal with Iran, but Pentagon will keep ‘negotiating with bombs'
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5802502-hegseth-supports-deal-iran/

Donald Trump: Iran's 'gift' was 10 oil ships via Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5802275-trump-iran-present-oil-ships-strait-of-hormuz/

Live updates: DHS shutdown, Iran war grind on as Donald Trump holds Cabinet meeting
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5800532-live-updates-trump-iran-dhs-shutdown-tsa/

Nancy Mace asks Donald Trump to limit Lindsey Graham's influence over Iran conflict
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5802357-nancy-mace-donald-trump-lindsey-graham-middle-east-conflict/

Mar 25, 2026 Update

White House signals ‘core objectives' met on war as Iran vows ‘relentless' attacks
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5800828-leavitt-trump-iran-nuclear-threats/

White House downplays reports Iran rejected Trump peace proposal
https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/iran-rejects-trump-plan-end-war-15-points

John Bolton questions Donald Trump's Iran regime change claims
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5799953-bolton-questions-trump-iran-claims/

Donald Trump's ceasefire proposal to Iran met with cold shoulder
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5799701-iran-dismissal-us-ceasefire-proposal-pakistan/

Chris Murphy accuses Trump administration of insider trading
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5798756-murphy-trump-oil-iran-insider-trading/

Mar 24, 2026 Update

Iran has received Trump's 15-point plan to end war, report says; President says ‘in negotiations right now'
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/24/trump-iran-war-negotiations.html

Donald Trump: Iran gave US 'big present' on oil and gas related to Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5798853-trump-iran-oil-gas-present-strait-of-hormuz/

Why the UAE is bearing the brunt of Iran's missile and drone attacks
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5797101-uae-targeted-iran-attacks/

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier declares Donald Trump's Iran moves a 'disastrous mistake'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5798457-germany-frank-walter-steinmeier-us-iran-conflict-breach-international-law/

Mar 23, 2026 Update

Who is Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Iranian figure reportedly leading talks with US
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5796830-mohammad-bagher-ghalibaf-iran-negotiator/

Trump says Iran has 'one more chance at peace' as Tehran calls reports of US talks 'fake news'
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/ce35wke27ynt

Live updates: Donald Trump postpones Iran energy attacks for 5 days
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5795410-live-updates-donald-trump-iran/

Donald Trump postpones strikes on Iran energy infrastructure
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5796155-donald-trump-postpones-iran-strikes-energy/

Donald Trump denies contact with Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5796393-trump-iran-negotiations-mojtaba-khamenei/

Iran denies talks with US on energy infrastructure
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5796269-donald-trump-pauses-iran-strikes/

Truth Details | Truth Social
https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116278232362967212

Joe Kent says Israel undermining Trump's attempt at de-escalation in Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5796461-trump-pauses-iran-strikes/

Mar 22, 2026 Update

Iranian foreign minister says country won't be ‘swayed by more threats' on Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/homenews/5795820-araghchi-iran-us-conflict/

US power plant threats 'show desperation', says Iran president as strikes continue across Middle East
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/ce35wke27ynt

Israeli ambassador to US: 'We need boots on the ground, but they have got to be Iranian boots'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5795386-leiter-iranian-uprising-regime-change/

Mar 21, 2026 Update

Trump says US will ‘obliterate' Iranian power plants if Strait of Hormuz not reopened
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5795151-trump-threatens-iran-power-plants/

Iran conflict spikes global natural gas prices
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5794022-iran-war-gas-prices-israel-qatar-lng/

CENTCOM: US strikes hit 8,000 Iranian missile and naval targets
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5794604-centcom-brad-cooper-us-military-operation-iran-8k-targets/

Mar 20, 2026 Update

US speeds up deployment of thousands more Marines, sailors to Middle East
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5793273-pentagon-speeds-up-marine-deployment/

Benjamin Netanyahu: Overthrow of Iran regime needs ground troops
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5793156-netanyahu-iran-regime-ground-troops/

Mar 19, 2026 Update

Global fuel prices soar as Iran hits Gulf energy sites | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/iran-iraq-us-israel-trump-march-19-2026-52e94398f2432b3aba9b02b51fbe5000

Iran war: Gas field attacks send energy prices soaring
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/iran/iran-war-gas-field-attacks-energy-prices-trump-israel-south-pars-rcna264249

Who is Joe Kent? Former NCTC chief, Iran war resignation, FBI probe explained | Fox News
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-joe-kents-abrupt-fall-gop-backlash-grows-over-antisemitism-accusations-fbi-probe

Trump: ‘I'm not putting troops anywhere'
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5792202-trump-no-troops-iran/

Elise Stefanik questions Tulsi Gabbard on Joe Kent's Iran war views
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5791485-elise-stefanik-tulsi-gabbard-iran/

Pete Hegseth defends $200B Iran war funding request: 'It takes money to kill bad guys'
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5791278-heggeth-defends-pentagon-budget/

Donald Trump jokes about Pearl Harbor with Japan's PM Sanae Takaichi
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5791865-trump-japan-takaichi-pearl-harbor-iran-war/

GOP grapples with $200B Iran funding request from Trump, Pete Hegseth
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5791945-pentagon-funding-iran-war-supplemental-republicans/

Mar 18, 2026 Update

JD Vance downplays high gas prices due to Iran operation
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5790032-vance-high-gas-prices/

CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirms Iran seeking intelligence support from Russia, China
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5789941-iran-russia-china-intelligence-sharing/

Jon Ossoff accuses Tulsi Gabbard of 'evading' questions on Iran's nuclear threat
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5789760-jon-ossoff-tulsi-gabbard-iran-threat-trump/

Iran war has farmers worried about cost and availability of fertilizer
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5789876-fertilizer-us-farmers-iran-war/

U.S. lifts some Venezuela oil sanctions amid Iran crisis
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5789841-us-venezuela-oil-trade-restrictions/

South Pars gas field in Iran attacked: State media
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5789733-iran-south-pars-field-attack/

Mitch McConnell calls Joe Kent's Iran remarks antisemitic
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5789433-mitch-mcconnell-joe-kent-antisemitism-intelligence-iran/

U.S. bombs Iranian missile sites near Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5789279-strait-hormuz-oil-supply/

Lindsey Graham presses Donald Trump to take Kharg Island, cripple Iran's economy
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5789344-lindsey-graham-iran-ground-kharg-island/

Israeli strikes on Tehran overnight Tuesday reportedly killed Iranian intel chief Esmail Khatib
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5789267-israel-iran-intelligence-minister-esmail-khatib-strikes/

Mar 17, 2026 Update

Joe Kent's resignation over Iran war sparks Donald Trump and Karoline Leavitt backlash
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5787821-trump-criticizes-kent-iran-threat/

Joe Kent on X: "After much reflection, I have decided to resign from my position as Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, effective today. I cannot in good conscience support the ongoing war in Iran. Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this https://t.co/prtu86DpEr" / X
https://x.com/joekent16jan19/status/2033897242986209689/photo/1

Joe Kent resignation over Iran war reveals an internal MAGA Trump division
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5788572-gop-divisions-trump-iran-war/

Diesel jumps past $5 per gallon
https://thehill.com/newsletters/energy-environment/5788689-diesel-jumps-past-5-per-gallon/

Kevin Hassett minimizes Iran conflict's economic impact on consumers
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5787473-kevin-hassett-iran-war-consumer-pain/

Mike Johnson refutes Joe Kent on Iran: 'There was clearly an imminent threat'
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5787717-johnson-disagrees-kent-iran/

Mar 16, 2026 Update

Israel, US continue strikes in Iran, Trump calls on allies to help reopen Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/homenews/5786222-israel-us-continue-strikes-in-iran-trump-calls-on-allies-to-help-reopen-strait-of-hormuz-yt/

Donald Trump pleads for global help to avert oil crisis
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5786198-trump-seeks-global-help-oil/

Donald Trump warns of grim NATO future over Hormuz Strait
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5785933-donald-trump-nato-strait-hormuz/

Trump says he's asked ‘about 7' countries to police Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5785921-iran-limits-strait-traffic/

U.S.-Iran conflict: 200 U.S. troops wounded, says Pentagon
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5786737-us-service-members-wounded-iran/

Mar 15, 2026 Update

Trump says US may hit Iran's Kharg Island again ‘just for fun' | US-Israel war on Iran News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/3/15/trump-says-us-may-hit-irans-kharg-island-again-just-for-fun

Zelensky: Russia providing Iran with Shahed drones used against US bases
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5784917-zelesnky-russia-iran-drone-claims/

Ron Johnson criticizes Brendan Carr's broadcast threats
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5785041-ron-johnson-fcc-broadcasters-threats-brendan-carr/

Donald Trump administration offers $10M reward for information on Iranian leaders
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5784895-trump-reward-iranian-leaders-information/

US demanding countries assist with ship escorts in Strait of Hormuz: Mike Waltz
https://thehill.com/homenews/5784922-us-allies-escort-ships-strait/

Chris Wright predicts end to Iran conflict in 'next few weeks'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5784951-wright-predicts-iran-war-end/

Mar 14, 2026 Update

Pentagon identifies six U.S. servicemembers killed in refueling aircraft crash
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5784705-us-servicemembers-killed-iraq-crash/

Iran threatens to attack UAE cities after US strikes on Kharg Island
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5784080-iran-threatens-uae-cities/

Trump: Iran 'totally defeated,' seeking deal with US
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5784112-trump-iran-deal-negotiations/

White House memes on Iran war draw backlash
https://thehill.com/policy/technology/5781781-trump-iran-war-memes/

Donald Trump says 'many countries' will send war ships to patrol Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5784272-trump-countries-ships-strait-hormuz/

US embassy in Iraq hit by missile; no injuries reported
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5784484-us-embassy-iraq-missile-no-injuries/

Iran threatens Ukraine over drone support to Israel
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5784483-iran-threatens-ukraine-drone-support/

Mar 13, 2026 Update

How Iran Blocking the Strait of Hormuz Affects the U.S. - FactCheck.org
https://www.factcheck.org/2026/03/how-iran-blocking-the-strait-of-hormuz-affects-the-u-s/

Trump fundraising email uses photo from soldiers' dignified transfer and promises ‘private national security briefings' | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/13/politics/trump-fundraise-email-soldier

Trump says US obliterated every military target on Iran's Kharg Island
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5783850-trump-bombs-iran-kharg-island/

Pete Hegseth blasts CNN: 'The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better'
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5782562-hegeseth-criticizes-cnn-iran/

Trump officials erupt at CNN over report on Strait of Hormuz closing
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5782946-trump-officials-cnn-strait-hormuz/

Trump says war with Iran will end when ‘I feel it in my bones'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5783165-trump-says-war-with-iran-will-end-when-i-feel-it-in-my-bones/

Trump says he has 'own idea' on how long Iran war will last
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5783947-trump-iran-conflict-timeline/

Ali Larijani slams Pete Hegseth calling Iran leaders 'rats'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5783500-iran-official-condemns-hegseth-comments/

Mar 12, 2026 Update

Trump orders 172M barrels released from strategic reserve: How much oil will remain?
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5780749-trump-orders-172m-barrels-released-from-strategic-reserve-how-much-oil-will-remain/

White House defends oil price whiplash
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5780906-oil-prices-trump-iran/

Trump says Strait of Hormuz in ‘great shape' after ships targeted
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5780452-trump-strait-hormuz-great-shape/

Rahm Emanuel's prescription for inflicting pain on Trump over Iran
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5779086-rahm-emmanuel-trump-iran-war-impact/

Donald Trump: 'When oil prices go up, we make a lot of money'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5780543-us-oil-prices-trump/

Live updates: Senate to vote on DHS funding; Iran blocks Strait of Hormuz amid oil price concerns
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5779664-live-updates-trump-iran-oil/

Mojtaba Khamenei's first statement: Strait of Hormuz to remain blocked
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5780638-iran-mojtaba-khamenei-strait-hormuz-persian-gulf/

Trump eases sanctions on Russian oil amid Iran conflict
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5782247-trump-lifts-russian-oil-sanctions/

Why naval escorts through Strait of Hormuz are so risky
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5781887-us-navy-strait-hormuz-mission/

Mar 11, 2026 Update

43,000 Americans have returned from Middle East since start of Iran war: State Department
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5779260-43000-americans-have-returned-from-middle-east-since-star-of-iran-war-state-department/

Donald Trump: End to Iran operation needs ‘more of the same'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5779300-trump-us-iran-operation/

Donald Trump unaware of US responsibility in Iran school strike
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5779432-us-military-iran-school-strike/

US faulted in Iran school strike in initial Pentagon review: Report
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5779199-iran-school-strike-investigation/

Pentagon estimates first 6 days of Iran war cost $11.3B
https://thehill.com/homenews/5780153-operation-epic-fury-cost/

Trump touts Iran strikes, hits GOP's Thomas Massie at rally
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5779968-trump-iran-massie-kentucky-rally/

OMG: Trump drops BOMBSHELL confession about his new war - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFlC8_f-w6I

Iran war live updates: Trump claims the US has ‘won' but needs ‘to finish the job' | The Independent
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iran-trump-israel-war-oil-lebanon-strait-of-hormuz-live-b2936049.html

Lawrence: Trump's war in Iran shows he doesn't know what he's talking about - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ypsrDoWvCU

Mar 10, 2026 Update

Trump said the Iran war would benefit ‘other parts of the world.' The facts disagree.
https://www.ms.now/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/iran-war-russia-intel-trump-press-conferenceenergy-crisis

Russia told Trump it has not shared intelligence with Iran during war, Witkoff says
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/10/iran-war-trump-russia-intelligence-witkoff.html

Chuck Schumer calls for probe after Donald Trump claims Iran hit girls school with Tomahawk missile
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5776813-schumer-trump-tomahawk-missiles-iran/

Germany's Merz raises concern over Iran war: No plan for ‘swift and convincing conclusion'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5776842-germany-merz-concerns-iran-war/

Germany, France, UK urge US to restart Iran talks after strikes
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5760393-uk-france-germany-iran-strikes-negotiations/

Senate Democrats vow to force repeated War Powers votes on Iran conflict
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5776021-democrats-iran-conflict-war-powers/

Iran issues warning to Donald Trump amid Strait of Hormuz tension
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5776480-iran-security-official-donald-trump-straight-of-hormuz-tensions/

Pentagon burned through $5.6B in munitions in first 2 days of Iran war 
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5776761-pentagon-war-munitions-estimate/

Iran official issues warning after Donald Trump Strait of Hormuz threat
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5776867-iran-strait-of-hormuz-trump/

Iran warns it will hit US, Israeli infrastructure if its own is targeted
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5776816-iran-israel-infrastructure-war/

Pentagon says 140 US service members wounded since Iran war started 
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5777438-pentagon-reports-140-us-casualties-iran/

US Navy not yet escorting oil tanker through Hormuz, says White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5777389-strait-of-hormuz-oil-tankers-us-navy-escort/

Mar 9, 2026 Update

At the Republican Members Issues Conference in Florida Trump said:

You know, if we didn't do that, B-2 attack, Israel would have been wiped out. They would have had a nuclear weapon within two weeks after that. And even now, I think they were looking to take over the Middle East because when you look and we have pretty good proof, all of those missiles that were so stupidly aimed at Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, they were all aimed, and others, at countries that were sort of like, leave us alone.

Had we not done the B-2 raid and have we not done this one where we said, it's time to go in, we have to go in, have no choice. Number one, if we didn't go in, they would have come in after us because I see the Democrats trying to justify it and they're failing because the voter on the street is saying, you've got to be kidding.

But I see where they're going. They're always saying, no, no. There was no reason. Well, I'll give you the best reason of all. Within a week, they were going to attack us, 100 percent. They were ready. They had all these missiles, far more than anyone thought and they were going to attack us. But they were going to attack all of the Middle East and Israel.

And if they had a nuclear weapon, they would have used it on Israel. And this was going to be a major attack on all.

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far. Additionally, we will take out easily destroyable targets that will make it virtually impossible for Iran to ever be built back, as a Nation, again — Death, Fire, and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen! This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

5 takeaways from Trump's Iran presser at Doral
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5776101-trump-iran-war-timeline-takeaways/

Russia's Vladimir Putin offers Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei 'unwavering support'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5775095-putin-congratulates-iran-leader/

Trump's denial on Iran school bombing cuts against mounting signs of US responsibility 
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5775878-trump-iran-school-bombing/

Donald Trump calls Iran war 'excursion' that will be done 'very soon'
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5775972-trump-iran-war-soon-finish/

Donald Trump 'not happy' with Iran's new leader Mojtaba Khamenei
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5774953-trump-unhappy-iran-leader/

Pete Buttigieg leans on combat experience to criticize Trump's ‘war of choice' in Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5772190-buttigieg-criticizes-trump-iran-war/

Donald Trump urges tanker crews to brave Strait of Hormuz
https://thehill.com/business/5774913-donald-trump-oil-tankers-strait-hormuz/

Marjorie Taylor Greene criticizes Karoline Leavitt on Iran draft talk
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5774908-greene-leavitt-iran-draft/

Trump says 'mutual' decision with Israel will end Iran war
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5774808-trump-iran-war-decision-israel/

Mar 8, 2026 Update

Donald Trump dismisses Iran leader's retaliation threats
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5773592-trump-dismisses-iran-threats/

Donald Trump, Pete Hegseth accuses Iran, not U.S., of school bombing
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5773382-trump-accuses-iran-school-bombing/

Sen. Mark Warner: Donald Trump lacks justification for Iran strikes
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5773769-warner-trump-iran-conflict/

Hegseth says ‘there will be more casualties' in Iran operation
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5774412-iran-us-casualties-continue/

Trump says rising oil prices ‘a very small price to pay' for ‘safety and peace'
https://thehill.com/business/5774307-rising-oil-prices-trump-iran/

Iran ‘capable enough' to defend itself if US sends ground forces: Foreign minister
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5774153-araghchi-iran-us-conflict/

Iranian clerics choose Mojtaba Khamenei as new leader
https://thehill.com/homenews/5765690-mojtaba-khamenei-iran-supreme-leader/

Seventh US service member dies in Iran conflict
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5774063-seventh-us-service-member-dies/

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace. ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!President DJT

Mar 7, 2026 Update

America's military has an Iranian drone problem
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5772379-iran-drone-threat-us-allies/

Donald Trump: Dignified transfers are 'part of war' amid Iran escalation
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5773315-trump-praises-us-military-iran/

Trump honors U.S. soldiers killed in Iranian strike
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5773292-trump-dignified-transfer-dover-base/

Iran's foreign minister warns Donald Trump against escalating tensions further
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5773071-iran-foreign-minister-donald-trump-conflict-escalation/

Donald Trump vows to press on with military operations against 'loser' Iran
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5772792-donald-trump-iran-strikes/

Mar 6, 2026 Update

Russia gave Iran information that can help Tehran hit U.S. military targets, AP sources say | PBS News
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/russia-gave-iran-information-that-can-help-tehran-hit-u-s-military-targets-ap-sources-say

Trump says Cuba's next: Here's how it could play out
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5770748-trump-pressure-cuba-regime-change/

Trump floats ‘friendly takeover' of Cuba
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5759118-cuba-friendly-takeover-trump/

Donald Trump responds to fears of Iran retaliation on US homeland
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5771126-donald-trump-us-fears-iran-retaliation/

Trump clarifies his goals for Iran
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5771557-trump-calls-iran-surrender/

President Trump calls for full regime change in Iran after US-Israeli strikes
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5771021-donald-trump-iran-leadership-clean-out/

US eases Russian oil limits amid Iran price surge
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/5772316-oil-prices-russia-india-iran-bessent/

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER! After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before. IRAN WILL HAVE A GREAT FUTURE. "MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN (MIGA!)." Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Mar 5, 2026 Update

'WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?': Trump admin unable to explain attack on Iran | MS NOW | YouTube

US military sets Iranian drone carrier ship on fire 
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5770529-us-military-strikes-iranian-drone-carrier/

Thomas Massie: Iran war 'will radicalize new generations of terrorists'
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5768929-war-powers-resolution-debate/

Hegseth criticizes media for making US deaths in Iran war front-page news
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5766791-iran-drone-strike-kuwait/

Canada's Mark Carney, Australian leader call for Iran war de-escalation
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5768793-carney-albanese-deescalation-iran/

Sen. Mark Kelly blasts Donald Trump, his administration over Iran strategy
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5768779-mark-kelly-donald-trump-administration-iran-efforts/

Trump wants to be involved in picking Iran's next supreme leader | AP News
https://apnews.com/article/iran-israel-us-march-05-2026-6a76668997a43855cc37eff7f4829615

Mar 4, 2026 Update

Canadian PM Carney says US and Israel's strikes on Iran mark ‘failure of the international order'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5766143-canada-iran-nuclear-threat/

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Gen. Dan Caine preview Iran military operation
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5766617-hegseth-caine-bombing-campaign-iran/

Hegseth teases next phase of Iran war
https://thehill.com/newsletters/1230-report/5767144-iran-war-phase-next/

Kelly: Iran operation ‘not going well' for Trump administration
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5767139-mark-kelly-criticizes-trump-iran/
https://x.com/SenMarkKelly/status/2029227403927535914

Iranian leader of Trump assassination plot killed, Pete Hegseth says
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5767029-iranian-leader-killed-trump/

Senate Republicans defeat War Powers measure to halt Iran strikes
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5767815-senate-war-powers-iran/

Trump under pressure as he seeks to make case on Iran
https://thehill.com/homenews/5768063-trump-regime-change-iran/

Spain 'categorially' denies White House claim it will cooperate on Iran war
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5767857-spain-denies-us-iran-cooperation/

Fox News poll: Majority says Donald Trump's handling of Iran made US less safe
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5767714-trump-iran-poll-results/

Leavitt says Americans stranded in Middle East had prior warning not to travel
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5767421-americans-evacuated-middle-east/

Analysis: Trump's and Hegseth's comments about US troop deaths in Iran war | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/04/politics/us-troop-deaths-iran-trump-hegseth

Spain's Pedro Sánchez hits back at Trump threat to sever trade saying 'no to war'
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93wwq1n542o

Mar 3, 2026 Update

Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said:

I might have ‌forced their [Israel's] hand. We were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they were going to attack first. If we didn't do it, they ​were going to attack first. I felt strongly about that.

In addition to what is posted below for the Mar 2, 2026 Update, Rubio also said the following yesterday:

We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action, ​we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn't preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties.

Assessing Trump's Claims on Iran's Nuclear and Missile Capabilities - FactCheck.org
https://www.factcheck.org/2026/03/assessing-trumps-claims-on-irans-nuclear-and-missile-capabilities/

Trump claims he ‘forced' Israel into Iran war, contradicting Rubio's account - Roll Call
https://rollcall.com/2026/03/03/trump-claims-he-forced-israel-into-iran-war-contradicting-rubios-account/

Exclusive: Diplomats claim Witkoff undermined Iran talks
https://www.ms.now/news/exclusive-diplomats-claim-witkoff-undermined-iran-talks

Maddow: Trump's CLOWN CAR CABINET now an alarming liability as threat from Iran spikes - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tKHVIDF4oU

Marco Rubio briefs senators on Trump's Iran strikes
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5766074-rubio-briefing-senators-iran/

Rubio grilled over why US started Iran attacks
https://thehill.com/newsletters/defense-national-security/5766040-rubio-grilled-over-why-us-started-iran-attacks/

Benjamin Netanyahu says US-Israel action in Iran won't be 'endless war'
https://thehill.com/policy/international/5765600-netanyahu-israel-iran-strikes/

Trump claims he ‘forced' Israel into Iran war, contradicting Rubio's account - Roll Call
https://rollcall.com/2026/03/03/trump-claims-he-forced-israel-into-iran-war-contradicting-rubios-account/

House Republican: ‘We're seeing … multiple definitions' for Iran mission
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5765223-warren-davidson-trump-iran/

Senator Angus King deplores Rubio's explanation for Iran attacks
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5764699-sen-king-rubio-iran-preemptive/

Trump criticizes UK and Spain over Iran strikes
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5764930-trump-lambasts-uk-spain-iran/

Speaker Johnson pushes against war powers resolution: 'frightening'
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5763946-war-powers-resolution-iran/

Senate Republicans warn Trump about expanding Iran mission
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5764012-senate-republicans-trump-iran/

Trump threatens to halt trade with Spain over air base access
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8r1mzd8vygo

Trump threatens to halt trade with Spain over air base access
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8r1mzd8vygo

Spain's Pedro Sánchez hits back at Trump threat to sever trade saying 'no to war'
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c93wwq1n542o

Mar 2, 2026 Update

Trump won't rule out sending US troops into Iran 'if necessary'— tells The Post war is progressing 'way ahead of schedule' | New York Post

Hegseth, Trump leave door open for boots on the ground in Iran | The Hill

Hegseth gives fiery defense of Iran war; Caine predicts more US losses | The Hill

Trump: 'I don't care about polling' showing Iran strikes unpopular | The Hill

Iranian-backed militias in Middle East join war | The Hill

Kuwait 'mistakenly' shoots down 3 US F-15s: Pentagon | The Hill

Voters split on whether Iran strikes were necessary: Survey | The Hill

5 questions for Trump amid the Iran crisis | The Hill

Centcom raises 'Epic Fury' death toll to 6 service members | The Hill

Trump tells CNN the ‘big wave' is yet to come in war with Iran | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/02/politics/trump-interview-iran-jake-tapper

Trump posted the following on X:

If I didn't terminate Obama's horrendous Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), Iran would have had a Nuclear Weapon three years ago. That was the most dangerous transaction we have ever entered into, and had it been allowed to stand, the World would be an entirely different place right now. You can blame Barack Hussein Obama, and Sleepy Joe Biden.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said:

There absolutely was an imminent threat, and the imminent threat was that we knew that if Iran was attacked, and we believed they would be attacked, that they would immediately come after us.

Citing a department of Defense assessment that said Iran planned a strike against the U.S. that would have resulted in "more casualties and more deaths" Rubio added:

We went proactively in a defensive way to prevent them from inflicting higher damage.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth spoke at a press briefing. Here's some of what he said (bold added for emphasis):

We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it. Their war on Americans has become our retribution against their ayatollah and his death cult. It took the 47th president, a fighter who always puts America first, to finally draw the line after 47 years of Iranian belligerence. He reminded the world, as he has time and time again, being an American means something unbreakable. If you kill Americans, if you threaten Americans anywhere on Earth, we will hunt you down without apology and without hesitation and we will kill you.

Iran was building powerful missiles and drones to create a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions. Let me say that again: a conventional shield for their nuclear blackmail ambitions, our bases, our people, our allies, all in their crosshairs. Iran had a conventional gun to our head as they tried to lie their way to a nuclear bomb.

The former regime had every chance to make a peaceful and sensible deal. But Tehran was not negotiating; they were stalling, buying time to reload their missile stockpiles and restart their nuclear ambitions. Their goal: Hold us hostage, threatening to strike our forces.

America, regardless of what so-called international institutions say, is unleashing the most lethal and precise air power campaign in history. B-2s, fighters, drones, missiles, and of course classified effects. All on our terms with maximum authorities. No stupid rules of engagement, no nation-building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win, and we don't waste time or lives.

Before I turn it over to General Caine for the operational update, let me speak straight to you, the Joint Force, our warriors on the front lines. This is your moment. This is the generational turning point America has waited for since 1979 and since the rudderless wars of hubris, my generation, our generation endured, don't listen to the noise, just stay focused.

QUESTION: Thank you for your time. What percentage of Iranian long-strike capabilities are still in the fight? And what is our exit strategy here, and when will it be deployed?

HEGSETH: Well, they — they have long range strike capabilities, which we are hyper-focused on. In the brief we got just this morning — Admiral Cooper knows exactly and precisely what kind of threat matrix he's looking at, the way they might change their techniques, and how we adapt to that.

HEGSETH: Well, I laid out the objectives as did the chairman they're — they're completely nested. I mean,Iran has an ability to project power against us and our allies in ways that we can't — we can't tolerate. So, whether that's ballistic missiles and drones, so offensive capabilities effectively their — their navy, which would attempt to set other terms and impose different costs, drone capabilities, which we — which we laid out there.

Mar 1, 2026 Update

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

Trump gave an update on the Iran attack during which he said:

Over the past 36 hours, the United States and its partners have launched Operation Epic Fury, one of the largest, most complex, most overwhelming military offensives the world has ever seen. Nobody's seen anything like it. We have hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems. Just now, it was announced that we knocked out nine ships, plus their naval building. All in a matter of literally minutes.

Iran's formerly supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is dead. This wretched and vile man had the blood of hundreds and even thousands of Americans on his hands, and was responsible for the slaughter of countless thousands of innocent people, all across many countries.

Last night, all over Iran, the voices of the Iranian people could be heard cheering and celebrating in the streets when his death was announced. The entire military command is gone as well, and many of them want to surrender into saving their lives. They want immunity. They're calling by the thousands.

Combat operations continue at this time in full force, and they will continue until all of our objectives are achieved. We have very strong objectives. They could have done something two weeks ago, but they just couldn't get there.

Earlier today, CENTCOM shared the news that three U.S. military service members have been killed in action. As one nation, we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives, we pray for the full recovery of the wounded and send our immense love and eternal gratitude to the families of the fallen.

And sadly, there will likely be more. Before it ends, that's the way it is. Likely be more. But we'll do everything possible where that won't be the case. But America will avenge their deaths, and deliver the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against, basically, civilization. They have waged war against civilization itself. Our resolve, and likewise that of Israel, has never been stronger.

America is now, again, the richest, most powerful nation in the world, by far. But the only reason we enjoy the quality of life that we do and the freedom and security as we have done things that others are unable to do. But it's because of warriors who are willing to lay down their lives to do battle with our enemies. And they do battle better than anybody.

An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would be a dire threat to every American. We cannot allow a nation that raises terrorist armies to possess such weapons -- would allow them to extort the world to their evil will. Not going to let it happen. We're not happening to us, and we're not gonna let it happen to others.

The United States has the strongest military the world has ever seen. I rebuilt our military in my first term. There's never been a military like we possess. And frankly, there's nobody even close. But, we are now using that military for good. We want to have it for good purpose. We're undertaking this massive operation not merely to ensure security for our own time and place, but for our children, and their children, just as our ancestors have done for us many, many years ago. This is the duty and the burden of a free people.

These actions are right, and they are necessary to ensure that Americans will never have to face a radical, bloodthirsty terrorist regime armed with nuclear weapons and lots of threats. For almost 50 years, these wicked extremists have been attacking the United States while chanting the slogan, "Death to America," or "Death to Israel," or both. They are the world's number one state sponsor of terror. We are the world's greatest and most powerful nation, so we can do something about what they do. These intolerable threats will not continue any longer.

I once again urge the Revolutionary Guard, the Iranian military, police, to lay down your arms, and receive full immunity or face certain death. It will be certain death. Won't be pretty. I call upon all Iranian patriots who yearn for freedom. to seize this moment, to be brave, be bold, be heroic, and take back your country. America is with you. I made a promise to you, and I fulfilled that promise. The rest will be up to you, but we'll be there to help.

Thank you. God bless you to our incredible warriors, and God bless the United States of America. Thank you.

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

I have just been informed that we have destroyed and sunk 9 Iranian Naval Ships, some of them relatively large and important. We are going after the rest — They will soon be floating at the bottom of the sea, also! In a different attack, we largely destroyed their Naval Headquarters. Other than that, their Navy is doing very well! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

The Israel Defense Forces posted the following on X:

It's official: All senior terrorist leaders of Iran's Axis of Terror have been eliminated

Along with the post is an image of 14 Iranian officials and Khamenei.

U.S. and Israel pound targets across Iran as Trump signals openness to talk to new leadership | PBS

Trump appears to link Iran attack to his 2020 election loss | The Guardian

Iran tried to interfere in 2020, 2024 elections to stop Trump, and now faces renewed war with U.S. | Just the News

Just a quarter of Americans back Iran strikes: Poll | The Hill

Live updates: Trump warns Iran against retaliation; 3 US servicemembers killed | The Hill

Iran names interim leadership after Khamenei killing | The Hill

Israeli president: Middle East's future 'depends on' US action in Iran | The Hill

Iran vows revenge after the killing of its top leader and trades strikes with Israel in widening war | Associated Press

Feb 28, 2026 Update

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead. This is not only Justice for the people of Iran, but for all Great Americans, and those people from many Countries throughout the World, that have been killed or mutilated by Khamenei and his gang of bloodthirsty THUGS. He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do. This is the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country. We are hearing that many of their IRGC, Military, and other Security and Police Forces, no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us. As I said last night, "Now they can have Immunity, later they only get Death!" Hopefully, the IRGC and Police will peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots, and work together as a unit to bring back the Country to the Greatness it deserves. That process should soon be starting in that, not only the death of Khamenei but the Country has been, in only one day, very much destroyed and, even, obliterated. The heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

Trump posted an 8-minute video on Truth Social during which he said:

A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran. Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime. A vicious group of very hard, terrible people. Its menacing activities directly endanger the United States, our troops, our bases overseas, and our allies throughout the world.

For 47 years, the Iranian regime has chanted Death to America and waged an unending campaign of bloodshed and mass murder, targeting the United States, our troops and the innocent people in many, many countries. Among the regime's very first acts was to back a violent takeover of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding dozens of American hostages for 444 days. In 1983, Iran's proxies carried out the marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 American military personnel.

In 2000, they knew and were probably involved with the attack on the USS Cole. Many died. Iranian forces killed and maimed hundreds of American service members in Iraq. The regime's proxies have continued to launch countless attacks against American forces stationed in the Middle East in recent years, as well as U.S. naval and commercial vessels and international shipping lines. It's been mass terror, and we're not going to put up with it any longer.

From Lebanon to Yemen and Syria to Iraq, the regime has armed, trained and funded terrorist militias that have soaked the earth with blood and guts. And it was Iran's proxy, Hamas, that launched the monstrous Oct. 7 attacks on Israel, slaughtering more than 1,000 innocent people, including 46 Americans, while taking 12 of our citizens hostage. It was brutal, something like the world has never seen before.

Iran is the world's number one state sponsor of terror, and just recently killed tens of thousands of its own citizens on the street as they protested. It has always been the policy of the United States, in particular my administration, that this terrorist regime can never have a nuclear weapon. I'll say it again, they can never have a nuclear weapon. That is why in Operation Midnight Hammer last June, we obliterated the regime's nuclear program at Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan. After that attack, we warned them never to resume their malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons, and we sought repeatedly to make a deal. We tried. They wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it. Again they wanted to do it. They didn't want to do it. They didn't know what was happening. They just wanted to practice evil. But Iran refused, just as it has for decades and decades.

They've rejected every opportunity to renounce their nuclear ambitions, and we can't take it anymore. Instead, they attempted to rebuild their nuclear program and to continue developing the long range missiles that can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland. Just imagine how emboldened this regime would be if they ever had, and actually were armed with nuclear weapons as a means to deliver their message.

For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We're going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We're going to annihilate their navy. We're going to ensure that the region's terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans. And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It's a very simple message. They will never have a nuclear weapon.

This regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces. I built and rebuilt our military in my first administration and there is no military on earth even close to its power, strength or sophistication. My administration is taking every possible step to minimize the risk to U.S. personnel in the region. Even so, and I do not make this statement lightly, the Iranian regime seeks to kill. The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war. But we're doing this not for now. We're doing this for the future. And it is a noble mission. We pray for every service member as they selflessly risk their lives to ensure that Americans and our children will never be threatened by a nuclear-armed Iran. We ask God to protect all of our heroes in harm's way. And we trust that with his help, the men and women of the armed forces will prevail. We have the greatest in the world, and they will prevail.

To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity. Or in the alternative, face certain death. So, lay down your arms. You will be treated fairly with total immunity, or you will face certain death. Finally, to the great proud people of Iran, I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don't leave your home. It's very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.

For many years, you have asked for America's help. But you never got it. No president was willing to do what I am willing to do tonight. Now you have a president who is giving you what you want. So let's see how you respond. America is backing you with overwhelming strength and devastating force. Now is the time to seize control of your destiny, and to unleash the prosperous and glorious future that is close within your reach. This is the moment for action. Do not let it pass.

May God bless the brave men and women of America's armed forces. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless you all. Thank you.

Later in the day Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

Iran just stated that they are going to hit very hard today, harder than they have ever hit before. THEY BETTER NOT DO THAT, HOWEVER, BECAUSE IF THEY DO, WE WILL HIT THEM WITH A FORCE THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE! Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

Iran tried to interfere in 2020, 2024 elections to stop Trump, and now faces renewed war with United States:

Along with the post is a link to an article published yesterday entitled "Iran tried to interfere in 2020, 2024 elections to stop Trump, and now faces renewed war with U.S.".

Watch and listen to Rachel Maddow's response here.

Trump puts Iran's leader in double bind: Capitulation or risk of war | The Hill

Why Attack Iran Now? Trump Aides Blame Iranian ‘Tricks' | TIME
https://time.com/7381896/trump-attack-iran-why-now-factors/

Death toll in Israeli strike on southern Iran school rises to 165 | Israel-Iran conflict News | Al Jazeera
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/2/28/israel-strikes-two-schools-in-iran-killing-more-than-50-people

Feb 23, 2026 Update

US-Israeli strikes on Iran result in Khamenei's death: 5 things to know | The Hill

Feb 13, 2026 Update

What to know as Iran and the U.S. weigh holding a second round of nuclear talks | PBS

Feb 11, 2026 Update

Trump: Failed Iran talks would be a 'bad day' for Tehran | The Hill

Jan 28, 2026 Update

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary. Hopefully Iran will quickly "Come to the Table" and negotiate a fair and equitable deal - NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS - one that is good for all parties. Time is running out, it is truly of the essence! As I told Iran once before, MAKE A DEAL! They didn't, and there was "Operation Midnight Hammer," a major destruction of Iran. The next attack will be far worse! Don't make that happen again. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

The official Twitter account of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations, New York responded on X:

Last time the U.S. blundered into wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, it squandered over $7 trillion and lost more than 7,000 American lives. Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests—BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE!

Jan 14, 2026 Update

Trump told that executions in Iran will stop; does not rule out US military action | The Hill

Jan 13, 2026 Update

Trump posted the following on Truth Social:

Iranian Patriots, KEEP PROTESTING - TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS!!! Save the names of the killers and abusers. They will pay a big price. I have cancelled all meetings with Iranian Officials until the senseless killing of protesters STOPS. HELP IS ON ITS WAY. MIGA!!! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP

Commentary:

You can argue that Trump is being a true "freedom fighter" by showing his support for oppressed Iranian citizens, but saying that the U.S. will "come to their rescue" and that the U.S. is "locked and loaded and ready to go" is troubling to say the least.

Trump is suggesting that the U.S. will provide military support to help Iranian citizens overthrow the Iranian government. Trump has already shown he is willing to disregard international norms of sovereignty by his bombing of Iranian nuclear sites in June of 2025. Military intervention in Iran to help bring about regime change would be another instance of doing the same.

Today, Trump announced that the U.S. carried out a "large scale strike" on Venezuela's capital Caracas, and that U.S. troops captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, another instance of complete disregard for international norms.

Regardless of how "bad" or "dangerous" another country and their government are perceived to be, intervention in the internal affairs of a sovereign nation is very risky business.

Even if Trump follows through and helps bring about regime change in Iran, what's to say Iran and its citizens will ultimately be any better afterwards? Looking at what happened in Iraq with the fall of Saddam Hussein, are Iraqi citizens better off now than they were when Saddam Hussein was in power? Think about how long the Iraq war went on, and all of the deaths and devastation it caused. Was it really worth it, especially considering that the Iraq war was based on the false pretense of "weapons of mass destruction?"

Trump's bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities last June, his post suggesting military support for Iranian protesters, and today's intervention in Venezuela are having a major impact on how the rest of the world perceives the U.S. In particular, countries like Russia and China now see the U.S. as even more of an aggressor than before. Do you think this is a good thing?

Historically, the United States has always supported democracy worldwide. While that's a lofty and admirable stance, I think that realistically, in the long run countries are better off left as they are, regardless of how reprehensible their form of government might appear.

If you think that Trump intervening in Iran would be similar to U.S. support for Ukraine in terms of promoting democracy, I say that the situations in Iran and Ukraine are completely different. In Iran, it's a question of citizens wanting the government to listen to their pleas and to make life better. Ukraine was invaded by Russia, where Russia completely disregarded Ukraine's sovereignty.

Trump's desire to rid the world of all the "bad guys" might feel good in the moment, but in the long term it's not good foreign policy.