The White House is urging Iran to reach a deal, stating it would be "very wise" to do so, as reports surface of potential fresh US military action. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed ongoing diplomatic hopes regarding Tehran's nuclear program.
These statements coincide with the US moving a second battleship into the region. The White House acknowledged that "many reasons and arguments" exist for a strike, referencing past US military actions.
Despite reports of discussions on attack options, with potential strikes as early as Saturday, the final decision has not been made. Progress has been reported in US-Iran talks concerning Tehran's nuclear activities, though significant differences remain.
The US is increasing its military presence, with the USS Abraham Lincoln confirmed near Iran and the USS Gerald R. Ford expected in the Middle East soon. All forces are anticipated to be in place by mid-March.
In response, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei posted on X, referencing the US military hardware and accusing the US of attempting to predetermine negotiation outcomes. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps recently launched a maritime drill in the vital Strait of Hormuz.