United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that his administration was weighing a military strike against Iran while keeping the door open for talks. Speaking to reporters, he declined to provide a timetable for any action.
When asked how far along he was in considering an attack, Trump told reporters that officials were thinking about the move and that it could happen very soon. He dismissed the idea of telegraphing military plans to the public, asking whether listeners really expected him to announce his intentions beforehand.
Despite the threat of force, Trump maintained that Tehran still had an opportunity to avoid escalation by coming to terms with Washington. He stated that Iranian leaders wanted to reach an agreement, though he questioned whether they would abide by its terms.
Trump said his primary objective was to stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. A past US operation involving B-2 bombers would not have achieved a permanent solution, he added, explaining that he needed to make the outcome lasting.
During his remarks, Trump asserted that petroleum shipments through the Strait of Hormuz had risen above pre-war levels. He did not provide any statistical figures to support the claim during the briefing.
The US leader avoided making a firm commitment on his next steps, presenting both armed conflict and negotiations as viable paths. He stated that he might need to finish the matter through force or that the other side might agree to a pact.
The ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran began in February and expanded into a broader regional conflict across the Middle East. The hostilities persist despite a previously established ceasefire and a framework agreement to work toward a formal peace treaty.
Trump concluded by expressing confidence in the ultimate outcome for Washington, regardless of the path chosen. Either way, he said, the United States wins.
