NBC News, citing informed U.S. sources, has reported that President Donald Trump expressed frustration during a meeting with senior national security officials at the White House last week over the stalled effort to reach an agreement with Iran and the limited military options available. According to one U.S. official who attended the meeting, Trump was disappointed that a series of “tactical successes” had failed to produce a broader strategic outcome. The official said the president had not expected persuading Tehran to accept a deal would be so difficult. The source also said the administration lacks a clear strategy for how long the campaign should continue or how it should end, with officials divided over its primary objective. Some favour preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, while others prioritise safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or degrading Iran’s missile and drone capabilities. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt rejected the report, calling claims that Trump was angry “completely false.” The report comes as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had struck dozens of targets linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, while Pakistan, which is mediating between Washington and Tehran, said talks aimed at reducing tensions remain under way.
