Add to that Trump’s unwillingness to stake out a clear position, and his penchant for delaying any irretrievable choice, and his friends and enemies are both left waiting.
Unlike previous presidents, who carefully built strategic plans and sought public and congressional support before taking the nation to war, Trump is embracing the opposite: the fog of war. This has left allies, Congress and even intelligence officials confused over whether Trump is planning to move to authorize military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Pressure Builds, But No Conclusion
Trump’s statements have ranged from promising imminent action to suggesting he could take none at all. “I can do it … I can do it or I may not do it,” he said, underscoring the imprecise nature of his foreign policy. Even as the military posture has hardened — a third U.S. aircraft carrier group arrived in the region this week — the administration has yet to publicly spell out the reasons behind its change in assessment, which now sees Iran as possibly just weeks away from a nuclear weapon.
Trump recently voiced interest in striking Iran’s nuclear facilities without starting a larger war. His administration has not asked Congress for authorization, or provided an exit strategy, prompting concern about what a military action could lead to. Even members of Congress like the Gang of Eight have acknowledged that they were unaware of the administration's intentions.
Planning and Communication Concerns
While Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. has “plans for everything,” critics point to experience in Iraq and Afghanistan that demonstrates the need for a plan for what comes after an initial military strike. Some members of Congress have pushed for greater transparency, with some asking about the possibility of using ground troops, estimated costs, and the protection of American forces.
Trump also has said he is ready for diplomacy, but he has insisted on the complete surrender of Iran — an outcome Tehran has fiercely dismissed. The fact that there are no apparent diplomatic initiatives or framework for negotiations further deepens the uncertainty.
Amid all this, Trump’s words remain more questions than answers. “Anything could happen,” he said, leaving the nation — and the world — in limbo about what comes next.
