President Donald Trump is expected to use his State of the Union address to make the case for potential military action against Iran, as tensions rise over Tehran's nuclear program and its crackdown on protesters. The speech offers him a prime opportunity to persuade skeptical voters amid a significant military buildup in the Middle East and the possibility of a prolonged conflict if no agreement is reached.

Although advisers have encouraged Trump to focus on domestic priorities such as the economy and immigration ahead of the midterm elections, escalating tensions with Iran have dominated the lead-up to the address. Trump has insisted he prefers a negotiated settlement but warned that failure to reach a deal would result in severe consequences for Iran.

Public opinion polls show many Americans are wary of foreign conflicts and favor military action only in response to direct threats. Critics argue that Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement undermined earlier diplomatic efforts, while supporters point to his past strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and his broader foreign policy stance as evidence of strength. The political and military stakes surrounding Iran now loom large over his presidency and his party’s prospects in Congress.