Trump escalates conflict by approving strikes against Iran
- After intensifying tensions with Iran, Donald Trump approved military strikes on June 21, 2025.
- This decision tracked a reversal from a similar strategy he aborted in 2019 due to escalated tensions following an incident with a U.S. drone.
- The strikes have provoked criticism from within Trump's base, indicating potential fractures in his support ahead of the upcoming election.
On June 21, 2025, the United States confirmed that President Donald Trump approved military strikes against three Iranian targets. This decision marked a significant policy shift from his earlier term in 2019 when Trump had considered but ultimately rescinded a similar plan after Iran shot down a U.S. drone. The backdrop of this increasing tension highlighted Trump's pattern of trying to reverse actions he disapproved during his first term, reflecting a move away from de-escalation towards more aggressive military strategies. In the run-up to these strikes, Trump was reportedly influenced by discussions and sentiments shared on networks like Fox News, where key supporters advocated for joining Israel in its military endeavors against Iran. This media influence has raised concerns among military planners and political observers, particularly regarding the timing and implications of announcing troop movements or strikes publicly on social media. Critics within Trump's own political base expressed discontent with his decision to engage militarily in the Middle East again. Prominent figures like Tucker Carlson, who voiced opposition to strikes against Iran, were noted for influencing public opinion and Trump's own decision-making process. Even staunch supporters, like Marjorie Taylor Greene, voiced frustrations, pointing to a disparity between campaign promises and current actions, indicating a fracture within the MAGA coalition. The operations have raised alarms not only about the potential for a long-term conflict but also about the domestic political ramifications and public opinion. As Trump’s administration defends the strikes as a complex and historic military operation, it faces backlash from both anti-war advocates and segments of his traditional supporter base, who question the wisdom of entering another foreign conflict. This series of events could wield profound implications for U.S.-Iran relations and the political dynamics leading into the upcoming election cycle.