White House Says Diplomacy Is Priority on Iran Crisis but Military Options Also on the Table

Financial News –


The White House said on the 12th (local time) that while it is prioritizing a diplomatic resolution to the spread of anti-government protests in the Islamic Republic of Iran, it is not ruling out military options.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, told reporters at the White House that, as always, President Donald Trump is keeping all options on the table regarding the situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran, adding that airstrikes are among the options available to him as Commander in Chief. She stressed, however, that the president’s first choice is always diplomacy.
Leavitt added, however, that "President Trump will not hesitate to use military options if he deems it necessary, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is more aware of that than anyone else."
Leavitt also said that Trump had spoken by phone with Elon Musk, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Tesla, Inc., which operates the Starlink satellite internet service, about internet access inside the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Earlier, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, the presidential jet returning to the White House, that there had been contact with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Trump said, "Iranian leaders called yesterday," indicating that they were seeking negotiations.
One of the options under consideration for Trump is reportedly a strike targeting key facilities of the Iranian regime. There is speculation that the U.S. military could carry out airstrikes on such critical sites.
Other possibilities being discussed include cyberattacks, new sanctions, and expanded support for anti-government online accounts.
Meanwhile, some senior aides, including Vice President JD Vance, are said to be urging Trump to seek a diplomatic solution first.

dympna@fnnews.com Song Kyung-jae Reporter