February 25, 2026
During the State of the Union last night, President Trump spent a few minutes discussing Iran amid the massive month-long U.S. military buildup in the Gulf region. The President reiterated that a diplomatic solution would be preferable in resolving the current crisis with Iran and largely restated his previous points about the broad nature of the Iranian threat.
- The President also said that Iran, having already developed missiles that can threaten Europe and our bases overseas, is developing long-range missiles that can reach U.S. territory. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessed in an unclassified report earlier this year that Iran could have 60 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles by 2035, although it’s unclear whether this is synonymous with the threat President Trump described.
- If there is credible, verifiable evidence that Iran poses an imminent threat—particularly to U.S. territory—targeted U.S. military action may be justified to protect American lives and allied security.
- The President should continue laying out the threat to the American people and in greater detail, as well as the legal basis for potential action; the strategic objectives of any operation; a credible plan for mitigating any potential retaliation; and the criteria for success and drawdown.
President Trump previously pledged to stand with the Iranian people facing violence for exercising their basic rights. The U.S. should continue to support the courageous Iranian people, who deserve dignity, opportunity, and fundamental freedoms.
Congress must be able to exercise its constitutional role and have the opportunity to engage in public debate; and the Trump Administration must provide additional classified briefings to Congress with details about the extent and nature of the threat posed by Iran.