Growing Number of Republicans in Congress Urge Trump to Resume Strikes on Iran

WASHINGTON — A rising number of Republican lawmakers in both chambers are pressing President Donald Trump to restart targeted military operations against Iran, arguing that the current fragile ceasefire has failed to produce meaningful concessions from Tehran.

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, publicly stated this week that the U.S. should “finish what we started,” citing Iran’s repeated violations of the ceasefire and its refusal to accept verifiable limits on its nuclear program. Several other GOP senators and House members have joined the calls in recent days, warning that prolonged negotiations without stronger pressure risk allowing Iran to reconstitute its capabilities.

The lawmakers argue that while the U.S. naval blockade has successfully restricted Iranian oil exports, it must be paired with renewed kinetic action — particularly against missile sites, drone facilities, and key oil infrastructure such as Kharg Island — to force Tehran into a serious agreement. They point to multiple Iranian provocations, including drone attacks on shipping and attempts to interfere with traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as evidence the regime is not negotiating in good faith.

The push reflects growing frustration within Republican ranks over the pace of indirect talks facilitated by Pakistan. Iran’s latest counterproposals have been largely dismissed by the administration as nearly identical to previous unacceptable offers, maintaining demands for full sanctions relief and an end to the blockade before addressing its nuclear ambitions.

President Trump has kept all military options on the table and has repeatedly warned Iran of “overwhelming force” if provocations continue. However, he has so far held back from additional strikes following appeals from Gulf allies concerned about regional escalation and oil price volatility.

The increasing congressional pressure highlights a divide between those favoring sustained economic pressure through the blockade and those who believe military action is now necessary to break the current impasse. No new strikes have been announced, but the growing chorus of Republican voices suggests the administration is facing mounting calls to escalate if diplomacy continues to stall.

The situation remains tense as the Trump administration balances military readiness, economic sanctions, and ongoing indirect negotiations.