President Donald Trump on Tuesday ordered fresh military strikes against Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), marking the first significant combat action since late July. The strikes follow a weekend of skirmishes and come as Trump reiterated that the upcoming midterm elections would not alter his strategy of economic and military pressure against Iran’s government.
Trump: Midterms won’t change Iran strategy
In remarks on Wednesday, Trump stated that the midterm elections would not impact his timeline for confronting Iran, emphasizing a continued focus on economic measures to weaken the Tehran regime. The president framed the renewed strikes as part of a broader effort to isolate Iran economically, asserting that oil price increases resulting from the escalation would be temporary. "Prices will come crashing down once the Iranian regime collapses," Trump said.
Regime change rhetoric intensifies
On Tuesday night, Trump posted on Truth Social, asking when Iranians would "rise up and fight" amid escalating U.S. pressure. "They are just playing out the inevitable," he wrote. "When are the Iranian people going to rise up and fight?" The post did not explicitly call for regime change but revived speculation about U.S. intentions. The White House has not publicly announced a policy of direct U.S.-led regime change, though administration officials have increasingly described Iran’s government as vulnerable.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described Iran’s economic situation as a "death spiral" on Monday, arguing that financial pressure was forcing the government into a corner. "They are panicked. They are resorting to kinetic action because they are getting squeezed economically," Bessent told Fox Business. He outlined three potential outcomes for Iran: internal fractures within the IRGC, a popular uprising, or a return to negotiations under duress.
Oil prices rise amid escalation
The renewed military activity has contributed to a temporary increase in oil prices, though Trump predicted the spike would be short-lived. Analysts note that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical oil shipping route—could further destabilize global energy markets if tensions persist.
Background: U.S.-Iran tensions in 2024
The latest strikes follow a period of heightened tensions, including a shift in July toward economic measures after previous military engagements. The IRGC has been a primary target of U.S. actions, reflecting its central role in Iran’s military and political structures. The administration’s strategy combines sanctions, military posturing, and rhetorical pressure to pressure Iran’s leadership.
No further details on the scope or duration of the strikes have been released by U.S. officials.