Action Against Iran ‘Imminent’ as Trump Weighs Military Options During Beijing Visit

Former Deputy National Security Advisor Victoria Coates and Foreign Desk editor-in-chief Lisa Daftari said U.S. military action against Iran appears imminent, with President Donald Trump shifting from diplomacy back to a hardline approach even as he meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

In a discussion on current events, both analysts agreed that Trump and his advisors have been using the long trip—including stops in Anchorage and Beijing—for military planning. Daftari concurred that after an initial period of diplomacy lasting roughly a month to five weeks, the administration is preparing to deliver “final blows,” including reopening Project Freedom for the Strait of Hormuz, conducting bombing campaigns, and launching combat missions.

Coates strongly endorsed this assessment, stating she agrees “100%” that the travel served as a planning exercise. She highlighted the strategic messaging to Tehran, noting that Iran’s main patron, China, was rolling out the red carpet for Trump. “They want to talk to the strong horse,” Coates said, adding that Beijing cares primarily about securing oil supplies rather than propping up what remains of the regime in Tehran.

Daftari emphasized the value of linking any deal or strategy in Beijing directly to Iran. She suggested conveying to China that it could either gain access to U.S. markets or continue funding and supporting a terror regime—but not both. China, described as an “equal opportunity opportunist,” has provided weapons, sanctions workarounds, and support for Iranian proxies in exchange for discounted oil under a 25-year deal signed in 2021. Daftari noted China would likely abandon Iran if offered a better deal.

The analysts pointed to multiple converging pressures on Iran. Coates noted the systematic failure of the Iranian economy, including a worthless currency, the absence of a functioning stock market since early March, and the shutdown of lights on Kharg Island as among the least of Tehran’s worries. She described an impending “one-two punch” involving military operations and economic measures—referred to as Operation Epic Fury—from which Iran cannot recover.

Both highlighted U.S. energy dominance as a key advantage. Daftari and Coates observed that a flotilla of tankers is heading toward the United States, now the world’s gas station, while China seeks oil and natural gas contracts. They expressed confidence that President Trump, mindful of potential short-term impacts on gas and food prices for American consumers, views the long-term goal of eliminating a 47-year menace as worthwhile and noble.

Daftari pointed out that China has not stuck its neck out for Iran’s regime, even advising against closing the Strait of Hormuz, and has avoided brazen public support. She noted markets and oil prices have rebounded quickly during previous pauses in operations, demonstrating potential for rapid stabilization once the conflict concludes.

The discussion framed the effort as not only a foreign policy and homeland security matter but a defense of Western values, freedom, and Judeo-Christian civilization. Larry’s guests agreed that decisive action is expected shortly after the Beijing summit concludes, with Coates affirming that action is “imminent.” They expressed confidence that Xi Jinping, with China on its back foot militarily, financially, and economically, is unlikely to interfere despite not assisting the U.S. effort.