President Donald Trump is meeting with his national security team on Monday to discuss potential military action against Iran, following the collapse of ceasefire negotiations that deadlocked on Sunday, according to three U.S. officials.
The talks come after Iran rejected a U.S. draft proposal for ending the war, which Tehran called a demand for "Iran’s surrender to Trump’s excessive demands." Trump publicly dismissed Iran’s response, telling Axios on Sunday:
"I don’t like it. It is inappropriate."
Key Figures in Monday’s Meeting
- Vice President Vance
- White House envoy Steve Witkoff
- Secretary of State Rubio
- Secretary of Defense Hegseth
- General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe
Trump reiterated his stance on Iran’s nuclear program ahead of the meeting, stating:
"I have a plan. Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon."He added that the ceasefire with Iran is "on massive life support," accusing Tehran of reversing course by omitting any mention of relinquishing its enriched uranium stockpile in its Sunday response.
Military Options Under Consideration
Two U.S. officials revealed that Trump is leaning toward limited military action to pressure Iran into concessions. One official stated:
"He will tune them up a bit."Another added:
"I think we all know where this is going."
Potential actions include:
- Resuming "Project Freedom": A U.S. operation to guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, suspended last week.
- Resuming airstrikes: Targeting the 25% of Iranian military sites identified but not yet struck.
- Israeli proposal: A special forces operation to secure Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, though Trump has hesitated due to high risks.
Timing and Global Implications
Trump is scheduled to travel to China on Wednesday, returning Friday. Two U.S. officials noted that no military action is expected before his return. The president’s trip adds urgency to resolving the Iran crisis, as his administration weighs both diplomatic and military strategies.
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