Trump threat to strike Iran raises public concerns, congressional questions

President Donald Trump has renewed threats of military action against Iran, suggesting the possibility of another operation referred to as "Epic Fury." During a rally in Florida, Trump provided no specific details regarding the timing of such an operation. According to the Hindustan Times, a previous joint US-Israeli strike under "Operation Epic Fury" in February resulted in the deaths of former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family members.

While reports have surfaced regarding renewed US-Israeli military planning for joint strikes, White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told ABC News that the United States will not attack Iran prior to the midterm elections on November 3.

The threats have raised questions regarding congressional authority to restrain escalation and public support for conflict. The Daily Times and Dawn report that public opinion polls show widespread dissatisfaction due to risks to American troops and rising fuel prices. Meanwhile, US national intelligence chief Jay Clayton warned that Iran has "substantially increased" efforts to target Americans in the Middle East and elsewhere, with lethal plotting reaching advanced stages.

This warning follows Washington's order for non-essential US embassy staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia due to increasing attacks from the Iran-backed Houthi group.

Brief written by urgent.news from Daily Times, Malay Mail, Dawn, Hindustan Times — 4 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.