U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly discussed the possibility of U.S. military intervention concerning the armed conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump held an approximately 80-minute meeting with his national security team in the White House Situation Room on the 17th (local time) to focus on potential options for striking Iran's nuclear facilities and providing military support to Israel.
Fox News reported on that day that "the possibility of U.S. airstrikes and direct intervention were on the table," while CNN cited multiple officials as saying that "Trump is increasingly leaning toward the use of military assets."
The meeting was held after Trump returned home abruptly a day earlier from his visit to Canada for the Group of Seven (G7) summit. Trump reportedly instructed the National Security Council (NSC) to prepare for the Situation Room meeting before returning to the White House.
The White House stated that the meeting began in the afternoon and lasted approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, it has not yet been officially announced what decision, if any, Trump made during the meeting.
Although Trump had emphasized a diplomatic solution until recently, he has taken a more hardline stance since Israel conducted surprise airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and military bases on the 12th. In a post on social media that day, he warned, "I know the hideout of the Iranian Supreme Leader. Do not fire missiles at civilians and U.S. troops. Our patience is running thin." He also stated, "Iran must surrender unconditionally."
U.S. media reported that Trump is considering providing Israel with massive bunker-buster bombs (GBU-57) and B-2 stealth bombers capable of dropping them to destroy Iran's underground nuclear facilities.
CNN analyzed that "while Trump still leaves room for a diplomatic solution, his recent hardline stance indicates a significant shift in his strategic approach."