Caroline Levitt, the White House spokesperson, is seen answering questions from reporters [EPA=Yonhap News provided].
The U.S. White House has stated that while it prioritizes a diplomatic resolution regarding the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, military action remains an option.
Caroline Levitt, the White House spokesperson, said on the 12th local time at the White House, “President Donald Trump is always adept at keeping all options open,” adding that “airstrikes are among the many options the Commander-in-Chief may choose, with diplomacy always being the President’s first choice.”
She emphasized, “President Trump will not hesitate to use military options if deemed necessary, and Iran knows this better than anyone.”
Furthermore, spokesperson Levitt reported that President Trump had a phone call with Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, who operates the satellite internet network Starlink, regarding internet use in Iran.
Levitt stated, “President Trump told you (the press) last night that ‘the public statements made by the Iranian regime are quite different from the messages they send privately to the Trump administration,'” and she explained, “the President is willing to review those messages.”
This implies that although the Iranian government publicly criticizes the U.S., communication has been ongoing behind the scenes.
As the White House contemplates whether to respond to Iran’s proposal to resume nuclear negotiations, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that President Trump is leaning toward approving military action against Iran.
According to government officials, President Trump has not yet made a final decision and is set to meet with senior advisors on the 13th to decide the course of action.
Reportedly, the options under consideration include military strikes on key facilities of the Iranian regime, cyberattacks, approval of new sanctions, and supporting anti-government-oriented online accounts.
Some senior advisors, including Vice President J.D. Vance, are reportedly urging President Trump to attempt diplomacy with Iran first, according to officials.
Some officials have expressed concerns that U.S. military strikes could potentially backfire, reinforcing the Iranian regime’s claim that “the U.S. and Israel are behind the anti-government protests.”
Meanwhile, spokesperson Levitt denied that there was any directive from President Trump regarding the U.S. Department of Justice’s effort to pursue criminal charges against Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chairman, in response to a related question.
Furthermore, Levitt stated, “The President has the right to criticize the Fed Chair. Just as you have freedom of expression, the President does too. The President has clearly stated that he believes Powell is not doing his job. Whether he is a criminal is for the Justice Department to answer.”
Levitt also indicated that there is no “deadline” for the U.S. acquiring Greenland from Denmark.
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