Trump to discuss military action against Iran with security team
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump will meet with his national security team this week to discuss military action against Iran. These plans come amid collapse of diplomatic efforts, Axios reports.
According to US officials, Trump wants to reach a deal that would end the war. However, Iran's rejection of many of its demands and Tehran's unwillingness to make significant concessions regarding its nuclear program have once again put the military option back on the table.
Trump is expected to convene his top national security team in the Situation Room on Tuesday to discuss military action options, two US officials told Axios.
Another source also said that on Saturday, Trump met with national security officials at his golf club in Virginia to discuss the situation around Iran.
Among those present at the meeting were Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe.
In addition, Axios writes that on Sunday, Trump spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The conversation also concerned the situation around Iran.
What else is known
In the same article, Trump gave a short interview to Axios. In it, he said "the clock is ticking" for Iran, and if Tehran does not move toward a better deal, the US will hit Iran "much harder than before". But at this stage, Trump is waiting for an updated proposal from Iran.
According to CNN, opinions within the Trump administration differ on what to do about Iran. Some insist on a more aggressive approach, while others want to maintain focus on diplomacy.
At the same time, the NYT writes that Trump advisers have prepared plans to resume military strikes if diplomacy is unsuccessful. Attacks could begin as early as this week.
