US President Donald Trump convened his National Security Council on Tuesday to discuss the conflict between Israel and Iran, according to the White House.
The meeting, which took place even as the US President considers military intervention, was held in the White House Situation Room. It lasted around an hour and 20 minutes, according to a White House official who requested anonymity.
Tuesday’s discussion occurred against the backdrop of Trump escalating his rhetoric against Iran. The Republican leader declared that the US would not kill Iran’s Supreme Leader “for now” but demanded that Tehran surrender on Day 5 of the military confrontation, initiated by Israeli attacks.
US officials indicated that Trump was still considering all possible options, emphasising that Washington was not currently involved in Israel’s offensive.
The most likely option is the use of powerful US bunker-busting bombs against Iran’s deeply buried Fordow nuclear site, which Israeli bombs cannot reach.
The New York Times reported that Trump might also deploy refuelling planes to allow Israeli fighter jets to undertake long-distance missions.
US officials believe that dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme remains a priority, but Trump’s remarks about Iran’s Supreme Leader suggest assassination is also on the table for the US.
