President Donald Trump has called for a multibillion-dollar allocation to fund military operations against Iran, a move that places him at odds with senior Republican figures who have long advocated for a more restrained approach. The demand, delivered during a closed-door briefing with congressional leaders on Tuesday, represents a significant escalation in the administration’s posture towards Tehran.
Sources familiar with the meeting say Trump insisted on an immediate supplementary budget of $15bn to support a sustained campaign of airstrikes and naval deployments in the Persian Gulf. The request came without prior consultation with the Pentagon or the State Department, prompting confusion among military officials.
The President’s break with Republican hawks is notable. Figures such as Senator Lindsey Graham and former National Security Adviser John Bolton have cautioned against a large-scale military commitment, arguing that it would stretch US resources and undermine broader strategic priorities. Trump’s demands appear to be driven by a desire to project strength ahead of the 2024 election cycle, though critics warn that such a move risks drawing the United States into a protracted conflict.
Democratic leaders have rejected the proposal outright. Speaker of the House Hakeem Jeffries described it as ‘a reckless demand for blank-cheque warfare’ that would destabilise the region. Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign ministry issued a statement warning that any aggression would be met with ‘a decisive response’.
The request has already faced procedural hurdles. Under the War Powers Resolution, any substantial military action would require congressional approval. Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, have indicated that they will not bring the proposal to a vote without a clearer strategic justification.
Analysts note that Trump’s demand risks fracturing the already fragile bipartisan consensus on Iran. The President’s unilateral approach echoes his previous confrontations with the intelligence community, raising questions about the administration’s decision-making process.
As the situation develops, the international community is watching closely. European allies have expressed concern, with the UK and France urging restraint. The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency session on Wednesday.
The President’s latest demand marks a dramatic shift in US policy towards Iran and sets the stage for a contentious battle in Washington. Whether the administration can secure the requested funds remains uncertain, but the geopolitical implications are clear: the path to war is being paved, and the costs are mounting.
