The White House has warned that Iran would be “very wise” to reach a deal with the United States as tensions rise over Tehran’s nuclear programme and reports emerge that President Donald Trump is considering fresh military action.
Speaking at a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration continues to prefer a diplomatic solution but noted that military options remain under discussion.
Her comments came as the United States increases its military presence in waters near Iran and continues negotiations aimed at easing tensions.
According to US media reports, Trump has discussed possible strike options with senior advisers, with some reports suggesting a potential operation could occur within days. However, officials indicated that no final decision has been made and that discussions remain fluid.
Leavitt told reporters that there were “many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran,” while emphasizing that the administration still hopes Iran will agree to a deal addressing concerns about its nuclear programme.
Diplomatic efforts continued this week with indirect talks between US and Iranian officials held in Geneva. Although no major breakthrough was announced, both sides described the discussions as a step forward.
Iranian officials said an understanding had been reached on guiding principles that could shape further negotiations.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that progress had been made but acknowledged that significant work remains to resolve outstanding issues.
The talks are being mediated by Badr Albusaidi, whose country has played a key role in facilitating dialogue between the two sides.
Despite the diplomatic engagement, tensions remain high. The United States and its European allies have long suspected Iran of moving closer to developing a nuclear weapon, an allegation Tehran strongly denies.
Iranian officials insist their nuclear programme is intended solely for civilian purposes and have said negotiations should focus on sanctions relief and nuclear-related concerns.
At the same time, the US military has been reinforcing its presence in the region. Satellite imagery and military tracking have confirmed the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying strike group near Iran.
Reports also indicate that another carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is expected to arrive in the Middle East in the coming weeks.
Iran has responded to the build-up with its own show of force. The country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently conducted maritime exercises in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei issued a warning on social media, posting an image suggesting the potential vulnerability of US warships. In the post, Khamenei argued that while American warships are powerful, there are weapons capable of destroying them.
US officials say all American forces assigned to the region are expected to be in place by mid-March. For now, the situation remains uncertain as Washington continues to balance diplomatic negotiations with preparations for possible military action.
Observers say the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether the dispute moves toward de-escalation or further confrontation.