April 18, 2026 - Iran Reimposes Restrictions on the Strait

President Trump wants to know why the media won't just say "Job Well Done, Mr. President." Fair question. Here's my answer: it's not yet the right time.

The ceasefire expires Tuesday. The War Powers deadline hits May 1st. If there's no deal this weekend, Congress needs to stop hiding and act.

Here's the reality: Operation Epic Fury has been, by most measures, a military success. Khamenei was killed in the opening salvo. Iran's navy, air force, and command-and-control have been largely dismantled. The principal blemish — a grievous one — was a strike that killed at least 175 civilians, most of them children aged seven to twelve, at a girls' elementary school. That cannot be minimized.

Trump pivoted wisely. He played the madman card, then brokered a ceasefire through Pakistan. When that strained, he blockaded the Strait of Hormuz — seizing the very chokepoint Iran had used as leverage against the world. Audacious.

Now Congress must do its part. Pass an Authorization for Military Force scoped specifically to eliminating Iran's nuclear capability. Not a declaration of war — just the same tool used in Korea, Vietnam, and both Iraqs. It gives the president legal authority, gives Congress the accountability it owes the public, and — crucially — gives Iran no congressional clock to run out.

The core question is simple: must Iran be denied a nuclear weapon? If yes, authorize it.

When the Strait is open and Iran's nuclear dust is removed and out of reach — then, and gladly: Job well done, Mr. President.

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