The US president’s first choice with him always remains, but he is willing to use lethal force if necessary, his spokeswoman said today, as his top diplomat prepares to brief congressional leaders on Iran later today.
“President Trump’s first choice is always diplomacy. But as he has shown … he is willing to use the lethal force of the US military if necessary,” Caroline Levitt told reporters at the White House.
“The president is always the final decision-maker here,” he added.
Rubio briefs Congress
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to brief leading members of Congress, known as the Gang of Eight, at the White House later today, according to the State Department. Rubio is expected to brief lawmakers on Iran, a source with knowledge of the matter told Reuters.
The US has deployed a massive naval force near the Iranian coast in anticipation of possible strikes against the Islamic Republic. On February 19, Trump said he was giving Tehran about 10-15 days to reach a deal.
The US president could address the issue of possible strikes against Iran in his State of the Union address tonight.
