Franco Ordonez

Yeah, that's a really big ask, and it's going to be a real test for lawmakers.

It's midterm season.

And while Trump did not ask Congress for authorization to go to war, this debate will essentially be that.

They're going to be big.

There's so much uncertainty.

But really, there's also the question about the nuclear capabilities.

You know, what's going to happen if he can get rid of the nuclear program?

That's going to be a big deal.

But if it drags on, that's going to be a real challenge for Republicans.

Thank you.

Trump is very attuned to the politics of the moment, and he can see the polls.

Jenny Stromer-Galley, who studies political messaging at Syracuse University, says the repetition of winning is an attempt to refocus the conversation on something more positive.

The president is increasingly blaming the media and the administration has threatened to pull broadcast licenses over coverage of the war.

Franco Ordonez, NPR News.

The White House has been clear about its four military objectives, but it's been less clear about the political ones.

Trump has said he would settle for nothing short of unconditional surrender and that the U.S.

needed to be part of the selection of an acceptable leader.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt told reporters Trump did not mean that literally.

She says he meant that when Iran no longer poses a credible threat to the U.S., that's when he would determine the end of U.S.

operations.