US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that “boots on the ground” may not be necessary as tensions with Iran escalate. In an interview with NewsNation journalist Kellie Meyer, Trump warned that retaliation will follow recent attacks on US interests.
He cited the strike on the US Embassy in Riyadh and the deaths of six American service members. Trump told the New York Post that more military action could follow. He added that the “big wave” of US firepower has not yet occurred.
The conflict has intensified since US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran over the weekend. Washington now aims to dismantle Iran’s missile systems, naval assets, and nuclear program. Trump also pledged to curb Tehran’s support for armed groups. He did not mention regime change.
Marco Rubio said the US joined the conflict after learning that Israel planned to strike Iran. He argued Iran would have targeted US forces regardless.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks across the region. A Revolutionary Guards commander threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. Airspace closures across the Middle East have disrupted global flights.
