REPORTER:
00:00:50
Are you considering still putting boots on the ground? And would you do that without going to Congress? I just have lots of alternatives.
WEIJIA JIANG:
00:00:56
Earlier, the president said to the Financial Timeshe may send troops to seize Iran's oil export hub, Kharg Island, to "take the oil." But he acknowledged that "would also mean we had to be there for a while." And the White House did not deny a Washington Postreport that the Department of Defense is preparing for weeks of ground operations, saying, "It's the job of the Pentagon to make preparations. It does not mean the president has made a decision." Democrats and a growing number of Republicans in Congress are voicing concerns. We cannot have American troops on the ground in Iran. This is going to be such a risky operation. We don't want troops on the ground, and I think that's a line for a lot of people.
WEIJIA JIANG:
00:01:38
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise wouldn't say whether the president should consult Congress before making a decision. There are no boots on the ground today, but we're having a lot of conversations about what could happen next.
WEIJIA JIANG:
00:01:51
Trump's top negotiator, Steve Witkoff, says a show of force is necessary to achieve peace. Without pressure, you never get anybody to the table. And in this case, we have to. We're employing a lot of strength. We have a big fleet there, and yet we're prepared to solve it with a diplomatic solution. Last night, President Trump said the US is doing extremely well with negotiations but added you never know with Iran because even when making a deal, quote, "We always have to blow them up." Meanwhile, the war continues to take a toll on the US economy. Gas prices remain high, about $1 more than just a month ago. Matt. Thanks, Weijia. Appreciate it.
