Leavitt Says Trump Keeps All Options Open
The White House said Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump continues to prioritize diplomacy in addressing tensions with Iran but will not hesitate to authorize military action if circumstances require it.
Speaking to reporters, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stressed that the president remains committed to a diplomatic solution while keeping all options on the table. She emphasized that Trump alone holds final decision-making authority regarding U.S. policy toward Tehran.
White House Reaffirms Diplomatic Path on Iran
“The president’s first preference has always been diplomacy,” Leavitt said, adding that any ultimate determination on Iran will be made directly by Trump.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of State confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will brief key congressional leaders on the latest developments involving Iran. The closed-door session is expected to update lawmakers on diplomatic efforts, intelligence assessments, and potential next steps.
According to Reuters, citing a knowledgeable source, Rubio’s briefing will focus on recent communications with Iranian officials and preparations for upcoming nuclear discussions. The engagement with Congress comes amid heightened scrutiny of the administration’s strategy.
Trump to Decide Final Course on Iran
Earlier this month, President Trump issued Iran a 10- to 15-day deadline, beginning February 19, to reach an agreement addressing concerns surrounding its nuclear program. While administration officials have not publicly detailed the terms under consideration, they have indicated that the primary focus is preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities beyond internationally accepted limits.
Speculation is mounting that Trump may use an upcoming address to Congress to further outline his approach, including potential consequences if negotiations collapse. Observers expect him to reiterate his preference for a negotiated settlement while reinforcing warnings of decisive action if necessary.
The president also forcefully rejected reports suggesting that Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Daniel Caine opposes a potential U.S. strike on Iran. Trump dismissed those claims as “fake news,” asserting that they are entirely inaccurate and do not reflect internal deliberations.
“There are stories circulating that General Caine is not aligned with us on Iran,” Trump said. “That is 100 percent false.”
Administration Signals Diplomacy but Warns of Action
He reiterated that decisions regarding military action rest solely with him as commander in chief. While underscoring his preference for diplomacy, Trump warned that failure to secure an agreement could result in severe repercussions for Tehran.
“I want a deal,” the president said. “But if there is no deal, it will be a very bad day for Iran.”
Attention is now turning to a scheduled meeting between U.S. and Iranian delegations set to take place in Geneva on Thursday. The talks are widely viewed as a critical opportunity to ease tensions and clarify both sides’ expectations.
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Representing the United States at the Geneva discussions will be Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner. The meeting is expected to address nuclear transparency measures, verification standards, and the framework for a broader diplomatic understanding.
As the deadline approaches, the administration maintains that while diplomacy remains the preferred path, it is prepared to respond firmly if negotiations fail to produce meaningful progress.
