President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, warning that failure to agree to a peace deal would trigger a renewed bombing campaign at a significantly higher intensity. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, "If they don't agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before." The threat comes as U.S. and Iranian negotiators are reportedly closing in on a one-page memorandum to end the two-month conflict and establish a framework for talks on Tehran's nuclear program, according to a source familiar with the discussions who spoke to The Hill's sister network NewsNation.
This latest escalation in rhetoric mirrors the administration's broader strategy of applying maximum pressure on Iran. The president's warning signals that the window for diplomacy is narrowing, even as a deal appears within reach. The conflict, which has drifted into a stalemate, has been a key focus of Trump's foreign policy agenda, with the president seeking an exit without a formal agreement.
GOP Primary Victories Bolster Trump's Influence
On the domestic front, Trump-backed candidates enjoyed a strong showing in Tuesday's primary elections in Ohio and Indiana. In Indiana, Trump-endorsed challengers ousted several GOP state senators in a redistricting revenge campaign, toppling five incumbents in a move that reshapes the state's political landscape. The victories underscore Trump's enduring sway over the Republican base and his ability to reshape party leadership at the state level.
In Ohio, Trump's picks also prevailed, further consolidating his influence ahead of the midterm elections. These wins come as Senate GOP leaders push forward with a budget reconciliation package aimed at funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol through 2029. However, the plan has drawn criticism from Republicans on the Senate Appropriations Committee, who are unhappy with the proposed spending framework.
Senate Budget Battle Brewing
The reconciliation package is a top priority for Senate Republicans, who see it as a vehicle to advance key immigration enforcement measures without Democratic support. But internal divisions within the GOP are surfacing, with appropriators arguing that the plan bypasses traditional budgeting processes and could lead to long-term fiscal problems. Senator Rick Scott has predicted the GOP will win a Senate majority but warned that the House is a tougher fight, adding to the uncertainty on Capitol Hill.
Trump, meanwhile, is scheduled to attend a Military Mothers event at lunchtime on Wednesday, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump. The event is part of the administration's outreach to military families and a nod to the ongoing conflicts abroad.
Other Developments
In other news, the FDA has cleared four flavored vapes amid reports of Trump pressuring the agency chief, sparking debate over public health and regulatory independence. Additionally, Eric Trump unveiled a gold logo for the Palm Beach airport that is being renamed after his father, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism.
As the Iran deadline looms, all eyes are on whether Tehran will accept the terms or face a renewed U.S. military campaign. The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of the conflict and the broader U.S.-Iran relationship.
