By Maanvi Singh in San Francisco (now) and Joanna Walters in New York (earlier)
Trump declares additional economic sanctions on Iran but attempts to de-escalate crisis
- Iran crisis: a visual guide to the latest developments
- Iran launches missiles at Iraq airbases hosting US and coalition troops
12.22am GMT
Mike Pence said the US isn’t seeking a regime change in Iran, but wants “to see the regime change its behavior” in an interview on CBS.
The vice-president earlier tweeted that the “America is safer and stronger because of President Trump‘s decisive action” toward Iran.
.@NorahODonnell: “So what is the strategy in Iran? And is regime change the ultimate strategy?”
Vice Pres. Mike Pence: “We don’t seek regime change in Iran, but we want to see the regime change its behavior.” https://t.co/YmPIoU8JLK pic.twitter.com/vC5PklmgRo
Related: The optics of Trump’s announcement: America stands ready to strike
12.10am GMT
Lindsey Graham said that fellow Republican senators Mike Lee and Rand Paul were “overreacting” and that those seeking to limit the president’s war powers were “empowering the enemy”.
Just asked Graham about the criticism from Paul and Lee over Iran briefing. “I think they’re overreacting. I’m going to let people know ..to play this game with the war powers act, which I think is unconstitutional, is that whether you mean to or not, you’re empowering the enemy” pic.twitter.com/pnlISwkORb
Source: Congress to vote on curbing president’s war powers – live
