President Donald Trump asserted Tuesday that the United States now holds “complete and total control” of Iranian airspace, signaling a potential shift in the U.S. posture toward direct involvement in the intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran.
“We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.”
The president’s post marks the most definitive public statement yet about U.S. military positioning since the latest flare-up between Tehran and Jerusalem. It comes as pressure builds on the administration to define how far the U.S. is willing to go to support Israel and contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions — and whether military strikes, including a potential attack on Iran’s deeply buried Fordow uranium enrichment facility, are being seriously considered.
Strategic Options on the Table
Fordow, a hardened nuclear site located deep in a mountain near Qom, is virtually impervious to conventional munitions. Destroying it would likely require the use of B-2 stealth bombers equipped with GBU-57 "Massive Ordnance Penetrators" — weapons only in the U.S. arsenal.
While the White House has not officially confirmed any planned military actions, Trump’s social media rhetoric and recent military movements suggest the Pentagon has elevated its readiness. Satellite imagery has reportedly shown U.S. bomber deployments and intensified aerial surveillance in the region in recent days.
Earlier Tuesday, the president said he was aiming for a “real end” to the conflict, but emphasized he was “not looking for a ceasefire.” Instead, he called for a “complete give-up” by Iran, though he did not clarify what terms that would involve.
“I think they know not to touch our troops,” Trump warned during brief remarks before departing a National Security Council meeting. “If they do, it’s gloves off.”
Vice President Vance Urges Caution — But Trusts the President
Vice President J.D. Vance, a longtime skeptic of U.S. military entanglements abroad, offered a carefully worded endorsement of Trump’s approach. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Vance acknowledged concerns about American overreach but framed Trump as a leader acting with restraint and purpose.
“He may decide he needs to take further action to end Iranian enrichment,” Vance wrote. “That decision ultimately belongs to the president. And of course, people are right to be worried about foreign entanglement after the last 25 years of idiotic foreign policy. But I believe the president has earned some trust on this issue.”
Vance also sought to reassure a war-weary public that Trump’s decisions were focused on national interests, saying, “He is only interested in using the American military to accomplish the American people’s goals.”
Diplomatic Ripples from the G7
Trump’s comments followed his early departure from the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Quebec, cutting short what had been expected to be a pivotal diplomatic gathering. Aides say he left to return to Washington to oversee developments firsthand as the Israel-Iran exchange of missile strikes entered a dangerous new phase.
The departure raised eyebrows among allies, especially given ongoing tensions over NATO contributions and sanctions enforcement. Several European leaders have quietly expressed concern that a U.S.-Iran confrontation could spiral quickly and drag the region — and potentially global oil markets — into chaos.
What Comes Next?
Trump’s claim of air superiority over Iran, if accurate, represents a significant escalation in U.S. posture — a step far beyond intelligence-sharing or passive support. But the administration has yet to provide details or independent verification of the statement, and the Pentagon has remained tight-lipped.
Meanwhile, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are preparing for emergency briefings. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said Tuesday that “Congress must have a clear understanding of what actions are being contemplated before anything irreversible is done.”
Even some Republican allies have shown signs of hesitation. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) said in a press gaggle, “I support standing up to Iran, but we cannot repeat the mistakes of endless wars. If we’re going to do something this serious, we need to have a full debate.”
For now, the country — and the world — watches closely as Trump walks the line between pressure and provocation, with both Israel and Iran appearing unwilling to back down. Whether the president’s latest words are a bluff, a warning, or a prelude to war remains uncertain. But what is clear is that the stakes — and the risks — are rising fast.
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