Trump’s threat to strike Iran raises public concerns, congressional questions

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has renewed his threat of military action against Iran, raising questions about public support for the war and Congress’s ability to restrain further escalation . With midterm elections approaching on November 3, polls show widespread dissatisfaction with the war , particularly over rising fuel prices and the risk to American troops. Reports of renewed US-Israeli military planning have also raised concerns about possible strikes after the elections. Trump made his latest threat at a rally in Florida on Friday. “We may do another little Epic Fury ,” he said, referring to the US military operation against Iran. He gave no details about when another operation might begin. The remarks followed an ABC News report on Thursday that the US military and the Israel Defence Forces had drawn up options for renewed joint strikes.

The report cited two Israeli sources familiar with the plans, who said the strikes would most likely take place after the midterms. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly, however, told ABC News that “the United States will not be attacking Iran at any time prior to the midterm elections. ” The reports indicate that further military action is being considered, but they do not establish that Trump has ordered an attack. Negotiations remain another possibility. Strategic choices and political pressure In an analysis published on October 23, James M. Lindsay, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, outlined three options for Trump: escalate the conflict, negotiate with Tehran or maintain the current position. “All three options have substantial downsides and a questionable likelihood of succeeding,” Lindsay wrote. Further attacks could increase pressure on Iran but might prolong the conflict without securing a…