Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested that the odds of U.S. military action against Iran had increased, linking U.S military action to the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein that she said were later deleted.
“Well based on files released and then deleted, I’d say the odds went up on bombing Iran. It is Friday after all,” Greene posted on social media.
Well based on files released and then deleted, I’d say the odds went up on bombing Iran.
— Former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@FmrRepMTG) January 30, 2026
It is Friday after all.
Her remark came on the same day the Department of Justice published more than 3 million additional pages of materials in compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act, a law signed by President Trump on November 19, 2025. The release included over 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, bringing the total production to nearly 3.5 million pages from various investigations involving Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, his death in custody, and related FBI and inspector general probes. The department stated it had over-collected materials and withheld items under privileges such as deliberative process or attorney-client protections. Some reports and commentary noted skepticism about whether the release was complete, with prior estimates suggesting more pages had been identified, though officials described this as fulfilling the law’s requirements.
DOJ has since killed this link. This is what was there: https://t.co/urnzMvyccO pic.twitter.com/qXXmQNYhu7
— Jake Tapper 🦅 (@jaketapper) January 30, 2026
The reference to files being “released and then deleted” appeared to stem from online discussions around the Epstein disclosures and who has access to them, though no official confirmation emerged of widespread deletions following publication.
The comment coincided with heightened U.S.-Iran tensions in the region. U.S. Central Command issued a statement urging Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to conduct a planned two-day live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz safely and professionally, avoiding risks to international maritime traffic. The exercise was scheduled to begin Sunday.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) January 30, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global trade route, with roughly 100 merchant vessels transiting daily, supporting regional economic stability. CENTCOM emphasized that the U.S. military recognizes Iran’s right to operate in international waters and airspace but will not tolerate unsafe actions, such as high-speed boat approaches, unclear overflights, or weapons trained on U.S. forces. The command described U.S. personnel as highly trained and committed to international norms, calling on the IRGC to match that professionalism to prevent collisions, escalation, or instability.
The naval exercise announcement followed President Trump’s recent warning about a significant U.S. military deployment to the area. In a social media post, Trump described “a massive Armada is heading to Iran,” moving quickly with “great power, enthusiasm, and purpose.” He highlighted the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers, as leading the force. Trump portrayed the deployment as both a demonstration of strength and an incentive for Tehran to negotiate over its nuclear program.
A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose. It is a larger fleet, headed by the great Aircraft Carrier Abraham Lincoln, than that sent to Venezuela. Like with Venezuela, it is, ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill…
— Commentary: Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) January 28, 2026
“A massive Armada is heading to Iran. It is moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose,” Trump wrote, adding that the force, led by the Abraham Lincoln, stood “ready, willing, and able to rapidly fulfill its mission, with speed and violence, if necessary.” He called on Iran to reach a “fair and equitable deal — NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS,” warning that time was limited. Trump referenced a previous U.S. operation against Iranian nuclear sites called “Operation Midnight Hammer,” suggesting any refusal to negotiate could lead to far more severe consequences.
The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group has since entered the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, with officials noting it enhances regional security amid ongoing concerns. This buildup occurs against a background of internal challenges in Iran, including protests that began in late December and drew violent responses from authorities. Activist estimates have placed the death toll in the thousands, with many civilians affected, though official Iranian figures are lower. Trump has tied U.S. pressure to both Iran’s protest handling and fears that its nuclear activities could produce weapons.
Iranian officials have warned that any attack on their territory or leadership would trigger all-out war, while state media has framed the U.S. presence as provocative. Some indications point to increased alertness in Tehran, though public statements deny shifts in posture. Trump’s approach combines deterrence with calls for diplomacy, reflecting a tense period in bilateral relations. With additional naval and air assets positioning in the Middle East, and Iran’s planned exercises set to proceed, the situation underscores risks of miscalculation in a vital waterway and broader geopolitical flashpoint.
