Washington, D.C.: US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he has not yet decided whether to authorise large-scale military strikes against Iran, stating that diplomatic negotiations with Tehran remain active despite escalating tensions in the region.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said discussions with Iranian officials have become increasingly serious in recent days, adding that his administration would continue evaluating the situation before making any final decision on military action.
His remarks came amid reports that he had met with senior national security advisers to review potential military options, including the possibility of launching a major offensive against Iran. However, Trump emphasised that negotiations are continuing alongside military preparations.
The US President warned that Iran faces a choice between reaching an agreement with Washington or confronting a significantly stronger military response. The conflict has intensified over the past several months, with the United States saying its operations are intended to prevent Iran from disrupting shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has responded with attacks on US military installations in the region, killing four American service members, further heightening tensions between the two countries.
Trump said US forces remain fully prepared if military action becomes necessary but stressed that diplomacy remains the preferred option while talks continue.
The conflict, which Trump had previously predicted would end within weeks, is now approaching its fifth month and has become an increasingly significant political issue in the United States ahead of the November midterm elections.
When asked what could trigger a final decision on expanding military operations, Trump reiterated that preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon remains his administration’s primary red line.
US media reports earlier suggested that Trump had discussed the possibility of a “massive attack” on Iran with his advisers, although the White House has not announced any final decision.
Trump also dismissed speculation that Russia and China are supplying weapons to Tehran, saying both Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin had assured him they would not arm Iran.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that any country supplying weapons to Iran would face serious consequences, arguing that such a move would not be in its own strategic interest.
He further stated that while the United States supplies weapons to NATO member states, it does not directly sell arms to Ukraine, noting that NATO countries purchase the equipment and determine how it is subsequently distributed.
The latest developments come as international efforts continue to prevent the conflict from expanding into a wider regional war, with diplomatic negotiations remaining active despite ongoing military exchanges.
