Trump weighs Iran military options amid rising domestic political backlash

US President Donald Trump has placed military options against Iran back under consideration as diplomatic talks stall and political divisions deepen in Washington over the escalating confrontation.

According to reports cited by Axios, negotiations with Tehran have reached an impasse over Iran’s demand for reciprocal recognition and key terms in a potential agreement. The White House, meanwhile, has intensified diplomatic pressure while simultaneously adopting a sharper military tone, raising concerns that the combination could further derail efforts to reach a peaceful settlement.

Trump reportedly expressed frustration with Iran’s latest response to a US proposal, describing it as “totally unacceptable.” In remarks shared during a phone interview, he warned that “the clock is ticking” and said Iran could be “hit much harder” if it does not adjust its position.

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“We want to make a deal. They are not where we want them to be,” Trump said, adding that failure to progress would lead to consequences.

The president is also expected to hold a Situation Room meeting with senior national security officials, including the Vice President, Secretary of State, CIA Director, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, to evaluate military contingencies should diplomacy collapse completely.

At the same time, Trump’s consultations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu underscore continued coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv on regional security strategy.

However, domestic political resistance to escalation is growing. Congressional Democrats have launched efforts to limit presidential war powers through legislative resolutions and hearings, arguing that the conflict risks economic instability and lacks a clear strategic objective.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer warned that the war benefits US adversaries more than Americans, while House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised the administration for lacking an exit strategy. Other lawmakers have pointed to rising inflation and fuel prices as indirect consequences of prolonged tensions.

Even within Trump’s broader political coalition, opposition has surfaced, with critics warning that further military escalation could trigger significant domestic political fallout.