As the five-day conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies, President Donald Trump returned to Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, cutting short his G7 summit attendance to address the burgeoning crisis. In a series of provocative statements, the President asserted the U.S. knows the hiding place of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while demanding Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.”
“We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” Trump declared in a social media posting. “He is an easy target, but is safe there – We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don’t want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.”
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The President’s message follows his earlier urging of Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee for their lives. Arriving at the White House early Tuesday, Trump emphasized the critical juncture his presidency has reached. Israel, after five days of missile strikes, believes it can deliver a permanent blow to Iran’s nuclear program and appears to be seeking further U.S. assistance.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trump’s early departure from the G7, citing the escalating situation in the Middle East. However, Trump denied earlier reports that his return was aimed at brokering a ceasefire. Instead, he hinted at a more decisive outcome. “We’re looking at better than a ceasefire,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. “We’re not looking for a ceasefire. I didn’t say that I was looking for a ceasefire.”
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When pressed for clarification on what could be “better than a cease-fire,” Trump responded, “An end. A real end, not a ceasefire. An end.” He even provocatively suggested that “giving up entirely” was an option for Iran, a sentiment he echoed on his Truth Social platform, stating, “it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire. Much bigger than that.”
Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, a bipartisan effort is rapidly gaining momentum to prevent direct American involvement in any escalating conflict. Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announced his intention to introduce a War Powers Resolution today, aimed at curbing presidential authority to commit U.S. forces without explicit congressional approval. The resolution has garnered immediate and broad support, including from progressive Democrats such as Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI).
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“This is not our war,” Massie declared on X, stressing Congress’s constitutional role in declaring war. “But if it were, Congress must decide such matters according to our Constitution. I’m introducing a bipartisan War Powers Resolution tomorrow to prohibit our involvement. I invite all members of Congress to cosponsor this resolution.”
Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) quickly affirmed his support, stating, “I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan War Powers Resolution with Rep. Massie that is privileged and must receive a vote.”
The resolution seeks to invoke the War Powers Act of 1973, which mandates presidential notification to Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces to military action and restricts their presence to 60 days without congressional authorization or a declaration of war.
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Representatives Ocasio-Cortez and Tlaib publicly committed to supporting the resolution, with Tlaib drawing parallels to the Iraq War, stating, “The American people aren’t falling for it again. We were lied to about ‘weapons of mass destruction’ in Iraq that killed millions + forever changed lives. It’s unconst’l for Trump to go to war without a vote in Congress.”
The bipartisan nature of this resolution signals a potential for significant debate and a reassertion of congressional power in shaping U.S. foreign policy. As a “privileged” resolution, it is expected to receive a floor vote, compelling members of Congress to take a clear stance on potential American involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
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