U.S. President Donald Trump convened his National Security Council on Tuesday to address the escalating crisis between Israel and Iran, according to a statement from the White House. The meeting, held in the Situation Room, lasted approximately one hour and 20 minutes, a senior official disclosed on condition of anonymity.
The urgent gathering comes as President Trump weighs the possibility of supporting Israel’s ongoing air campaign against Tehran. Despite insisting that Washington has had no involvement in the conflict thus far, U.S. officials have indicated that all options remain on the table.
“The President is deeply concerned about the rising tensions in the Middle East,” the official stated. “He is considering various strategies to ensure the security of our allies and stability in the region.”
Reports suggest that one option under consideration is deploying U.S. “bunker-buster” bombs to target Iran’s fortified Fordow nuclear facility, which has been impervious to previous Israeli strikes. Additionally, The New York Times reported that the U.S. may permit tanker aircraft to refuel Israeli jets, extending their operational range for long-distance missions.
The meeting follows President Trump’s recent remarks that the United States would not target Iran’s supreme leader “for now,” while demanding Tehran’s “unconditional” surrender amidst five consecutive days of hostilities with Israel.
Despite the intensifying situation, U.S. officials reiterated that dismantling Iran’s nuclear program remains President Trump’s primary objective. “We are committed to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons,” the official added. “All diplomatic and strategic avenues are being explored.”
The international community watches closely as the U.S. deliberates its next move, with many hoping for a de-escalation of the conflict to prevent further instability in the region.
