January 29, 2026
Trump threatens Iran strike "far worse" than Operation Midnight Hammer as carrier group deploys
Trump threatens Iran strike 'far worse' than Midnight Hammer; carrier deploys
🌍Foreign Policy🛡️National Security
On Jan. 28, 2026, President Trump posted on Truth Social warning Iran that the next U.S. attack would be 'far worse' than Operation Midnight Hammer if Tehran does not negotiate a nuclear deal
The USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group—including the carrier, three guided-missile destroyers (USS Frank E. Petersen Jr., USS Spruance, USS Michael Murphy), F-35C fighters, F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, and EA-18G Growlers—entered Central Command waters on Jan. 26, 2026
Operation Midnight Hammer (Jun. 21, 2025) destroyed or damaged three Iranian nuclear facilities (Fordow, Natanz, Isfahan) using 7 B-2 bombers, 14 GBU-57 bunker-buster bombs, and Tomahawk missiles over 25 minutes—the first operational use of the Massive Ordnance Penetrator
Trump conducted Operation Midnight Hammer without congressional authorization; Congress was notified only after the 25-minute strike concluded
Oil prices rose over 3% on Jan. 29, with Brent crude settling at $70.71/barrel (highest since Jul.) and WTI at $65.42/barrel
Iran's UN mission responded: 'Iran stands ready for dialogue based on mutual respect and interests—BUT IF PUSHED, IT WILL DEFEND ITSELF AND RESPOND LIKE NEVER BEFORE'
Trump stated a fleet larger than the one used to topple Maduro in Venezuela was ready to 'rapidly fulfil its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary'
The Jan. 2026 threats come amid Iranian protests that killed an estimated 30,000+ people in early Jan., with Trump previously suggesting U.S. support for regime change
🌍Foreign Policy🛡️National Security
People, bills, and sources
Donald J. Trump
President of the United States
USS Abraham Lincoln Strike Group
U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group
Iran's UN Mission
Iranian government diplomatic representative
Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA)
U.S. Representatives