‘We took the head off the snake’: US to enter ‘new phase’ in Iran war very soon, says Speaker Mike Johnson

WASHINGTON: The war in Iran is slated to transition into “a new phase” in the near future, according to Mike Johnson, the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, who noted his expectation that partner nations will provide support during this next stage.

“I think we’re going to get into a new phase here very soon. I believe our allied nations are going to assist in the next phase, and we’ll get this finished,” Johnson stated during an interview on Fox News on Sunday.

He claimed that President Donald Trump successfully blocked Tehran from acquiring nuclear armaments, describing it as “a goal for all previous administrations”.

“We had to make sure the largest state sponsor of terrorism did not have a nuclear weapon. That was an objective of every administration for the last 50 years. Donald Trump did it,” Johnson said, adding that commercial oil tankers were still navigating the Strait of Hormuz. He also cited deep-seated mistrust towards Tehran during diplomatic talks as a major hurdle.

DOOCY: Can Republicans hold control of the House if the Iran war is still going on in November?

MIKE JOHNSON: Absolutely pic.twitter.com/cZVLwY5NEn

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 23, 2026

Johnson said, “You can’t trust the Iranians on the other side of the negotiating table. That’s the challenge”. The House Speaker expressed strong confidence that the Republican Party will preserve its majority in the chamber, despite public pushback surrounding the ongoing military engagement in Iran.

Asked by Fox News whether Republicans could win in the midterm elections in November if the conflict is still ongoing, Johnson said, “Absolutely”. However, he added that “it would be helpful to get that thing resolved” before voters head to the polls on November 3.

Johnson’s statements come amid rising domestic frustration over the military campaign, which has driven up energy costs and spurred broader economic inflation across the United States, where petrol prices have climbed past USD 4 per gallon (3.8 litres) from under USD 3 prior to the conflict.

The House Speaker, a prominent ally of President Trump, maintained that Republicans will succeed at the ballot box regardless of whether active combat ends by November. “People know we took the head off the snake,” Johnson said of Iran. “We had to make sure the largest state sponsor of terrorism did not have a nuclear weapon.”

The Trump administration maintains that the military strikes against Iran were executed to prevent the nation from developing nuclear capability. Joint US and Israeli forces conducted military operations against Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior government officials.

Tehran responded by shutting down maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial conduit for international fuel supplies, and launching drone and missile strikes directed at American military facilities throughout the Middle East.

Following an initial ceasefire agreement reached in April, the region has experienced recurring flare-ups and intermittent military exchanges. Although active fighting has decreased in recent weeks, Trump announced “crushing” economic sanctions against Tehran, prompting global markets to prepare for widespread restrictions targeting Iran and its international trading partners.

A precarious ceasefire remains in effect among the US, Israel, and Iran, though persistent friction continues to impact maritime security. The potential integration of allied military forces could signal a pivotal shift from diplomatic channels towards potential escalation.

Iranian officials remain steadfast, declaring that the country will not relinquish control over the Strait of Hormuz, where transit disruptions have caused severe spikes in global fuel and natural gas prices.

Johnson also highlighted reports of increased maritime oil traffic passing through the strategic waterway. “We’re getting the job done step by step,” the House speaker told Fox News. (ANI)