Trump briefed: narrow window to restart major Iran ops before new Congress

Some of President Donald Trump's advisers have told him the window for restarting major combat operations against Iran is closing — and that he should act before a Democratic-controlled Congress takes office in January, according to NBC News citing two U.S. officials.

Administration and defense officials warned a new Congress could complicate military action through investigations, funding restrictions or resolutions aimed at blocking strikes. Trump received an updated briefing Thursday on the Iranian threat and military options, attended by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine. The president has not made a decision, the report said.

NBC said Hegseth has continued to push for renewed strikes. Options discussed with the president include a shorter but more intense campaign that could hit Iranian oil and gas infrastructure and nuclear sites such as Pickaxe Mountain. A White House official said Trump has "all options available at any time," and that only the president knows what he will do and when.

The briefing comes a day after Trump confirmed limited Friday strikes that knocked out Iranian air defenses near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz — and as Qatar continues to mediate proposals aimed at bridging toward nuclear talks.