Mike Johnson's Warning to Iran as U.S. Deploys 2,000 Troops: 'Get It Together'
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Wednesday that the Pentagon's decision to send 2,000 troops to the Persian Gulf serves as a clear message to Iran: “Get their act together.”
However, Johnson refrained from labeling the troop deployment as “boots on the ground,” a term he and fellow Republicans have avoided while resisting any moves to limit President Trump's military authority.
“I think it sends a signal to Iran that they better get their act together,” Johnson remarked during his weekly press briefing, emphasizing the urgency of resolving tensions. “We need to resolve this quickly. And that's the President's interest, and that's ours. It's everyone's.”
The U.S. military is preparing to deploy soldiers from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, with reports indicating that Trump is considering plans to seize Kharg Island, a critical oil hub in Iran.
Despite the escalating situation, Johnson maintains that “we’re not at war right now,” even as both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have described their actions in Iran using that very term. Concurrently, he has advocated for a military supplemental package to replenish U.S. armaments amid ongoing operations.
In this context, Johnson reiterated his stance against classifying the troop deployment as “boots on the ground.”
“The buildup of troops is very different than boots on the ground,” he asserted. “We don't have boots on the ground. I don't think that's the intention, but I think Iran should watch that buildup, and they need to take note of that.”
The Trump administration faces challenges stemming from an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for 20 percent of the world’s oil supply, following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets. On Wednesday, Iran notified the United Nations that “non-hostile” vessels would be permitted to navigate through the strait.
Trump and other Republicans have expressed confidence that the conflict will be brief. The president, who campaigned in 2024 on a more isolationist platform, has nonetheless engaged in military actions against Iran’s nuclear facilities and supported efforts to unseat Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro since returning to office.
“I think that will wrap up in a short time period,” Johnson predicted.
Democrats are pushing for Congress to pass a War Powers Act Resolution, which would mandate that the administration notify Congress within 48 hours of troop deployments and withdraw forces within 60 to 90 days unless Congress has declared war or authorized military action.
On Tuesday evening, the Senate once again rejected a War Powers Act resolution. All but one Republican—Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky—voted against it, while every Democrat except Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania supported it.
The U.S. and Israel initiated their campaign against Iran at the end of February, resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leading to his son Mojtaba Khamenei assuming leadership.
Despite assurances of a limited operation, the conflict has now extended into its fourth week, significantly impacting oil markets and causing gas prices to fluctuate dramatically.
On Wednesday, Iran dismissed Trump’s assertions of “productive” peace negotiations between the two nations. A spokesman for Iran’s military declared through state media that they would continue fighting “until complete victory.”
