Trump Addresses Iran as War Powers Deadline Nears, Strait Tensions Rise

President Trump stated that Iran should make a smart decision to avoid conflict, saying the U.S. does not want to engage in actions that kill people. He further asserted that Iran has no chance in any confrontation and knows it, based on communications.

These comments come as the 60-day War Powers deadline approaches for U.S. operations related to Iran. Speaker Johnson said the U.S. is not at war with Iran, addressing the deadline. Separately, Congress voted to end a record shutdown by passing a DHS funding bill sent to Trump's desk.

U.S. forces are guiding vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with Rubio describing the operation as a benevolent action. A retired vice admiral noted that Iran retains residual capabilities in the area despite U.S. guidance of ships. Rep. Russell Fry compared Iran's behavior to that of a petulant child trying to wait out the Trump administration.

“Iran has no chance, they never did. They know it— they express it to me when I talk to them.”

Hegseth called Democrats the biggest adversary in the Iran situation. Meanwhile, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are set to travel to Pakistan for peace talks with Iran.

Polls indicate significant opposition to the war in Iran, with nearly 55% of Americans opposing it, 61% disapproving of Trump's handling of the economy, and 57% disapproving of Trump overall. Democrats hold a six-point advantage in generic congressional ballot polling over Republicans.

The Guardian analysis suggests Democrats are relying on Trump's unpopularity amid economic and war concerns. Redistricting battles continue, with a Florida Democratic congresswoman stating democracy is at stake due to a new map. A ballot measure in Virginia allows the Democratic legislature to draw maps eliminating three Republican seats, while Florida Republicans approved a map potentially gaining them four seats after a Supreme Court ruling struck down Voting Rights Act provisions.

Kornacki analyzed how Trump’s direct involvement in Indiana’s state Senate primary could impact turnout. Separately, Sens. Fetterman and Britt discussed bipartisan solutions for rural communities in a conversation with Kristen Welker.

A House Republican defended her immigration reform bill amid conservative pushback. Trump greeted King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House. Gov. Pritzker commented on a Comey indictment, saying it shows Trump is weaponizing the DOJ against political enemies.

A former Secret Service agent said a Correspondents’ Dinner attack will significantly change White House protection. In unrelated news, a World Central Kitchen chef described the Lebanon ceasefire as a complete joke amid millions facing food insecurity.

“I think you're — what you're seeing right now — is, Iran test this administration. I think they're, they're much like a petulant child...”

Senate duo efforts focus on helping rural communities through bipartisan solutions. The DHS shutdown has ended, with questions remaining on next steps.