President Trump suggested Wednesday he may do "some dastardly things" in response to attacks on Saudi Arabia oil production facilities, which Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is calling an "act of war."
Trump spoke after Saudi Arabia doubled down on its claims that Iran is responsible for strikes on its oil production facilities last weekend. In response to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) arguing that Trump's "measured response" to Iran this year has been seen as a "sign of weakness," Trump argued Wednesday his response has actually been a "sign of strength" while asking Graham how "going into the Middle East" worked out.
"It's very easy to attack," Trump said, Bloomberg reports. "...There's plenty of time to do some dastardly things. It's very easy to start, and we'll see what happens."
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Trump added that "if we have to do something, we'll do it, without hesitation." This statement came after Trump announced his administration will "substantially increase" sanctions on Iran, although he provided no further details. Asked Wednesday about the options he's considering, Trump would not specify but said "there are many options," including ones that are "a lot less" than "the ultimate option," meaning "war." Brendan Morrow
-
The Icelandic women’s strike 50 years onIn The Spotlight The nation is ‘still no paradise’ for women, say campaigners
-
Mall World: why are people dreaming about a shopping centre?Under The Radar Thousands of strangers are dreaming about the same thing and no one sure why
-
Why scientists are attempting nuclear fusionThe Explainer Harnessing the reaction that powers the stars could offer a potentially unlimited source of carbon-free energy, and the race is hotting up
-
NY attorney general asks public for ICE raid footageSpeed Read Rep. Dan Goldman claims ICE wrongly detained four US citizens in the Canal Street raid and held them for a whole day without charges
-
Trump’s huge ballroom to replace razed East WingSpeed Read The White House’s east wing is being torn down amid ballroom construction
-
Trump expands boat strikes to Pacific, killing 5 moreSpeed Read The US military destroyed two more alleged drug smuggling boats in international waters
-
Trump demands millions from his administrationSpeed Read The president has requested $230 million in compensation from the Justice Department for previous federal investigations
-
Trump nominee in limbo after racist texts leakSpeed Read Paul Ingrassia lost Republican support following the exposure of past racist text messages
-
Trump begins East Wing demolition for ballroomspeed read The president’s new construction will cost $250 million
-
Appeals court clears Trump’s Portland troop deploymentSpeed Read A divided federal appeals court ruled that President Trump can send the National Guard to Portland
-
Millions turn out for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ ralliesSpeed Read An estimated 7 million people participated, 2 million more than at the first ‘No Kings’ protest in June
