President Donald Trump has again opted against a significant military escalation with Iran, prioritizing diplomatic avenues as efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz are underway, multiple sources and a U.S. official told ABC News. The decision followed a White House meeting on Friday where top officials and advisers deliberated over various options and their potential consequences.
This instance marks the latest in a pattern where Trump has threatened military action or destruction against Iran before stepping back, citing diplomatic or negotiation progress. Over a month prior, the U.S. and Iran had entered into a memorandum of understanding intended to guide 60 days of talks toward a final agreement. However, Trump recently declared the MOU "over," and the two nations resumed strikes against each other.
During the recent White House discussions, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine and Vice President JD Vance both expressed concerns regarding further escalation of conflict with Iran, according to two sources familiar with the discussions. Gen. Caine informed the president that while the U.S. military was capable of executing the considered options, he outlined potential negative repercussions, including the further depletion of munitions stockpiles. Sources indicated that the munitions supply was one of several factors considered by the president and his national security team.
Vice President Vance, who has taken a leading role in diplomatic engagements, reportedly continued to advocate for a diplomatic resolution. In a recent interview, Trump stated, "All of the people that deal with Iran asked me: 'Don't fire.'"
Trump addressed the munitions concerns in a statement to ABC News, asserting, "We have far more munitions than anyone in the world, and far more than we need." He also accused the Biden administration of diminishing the nation's stockpile, while adding that "Our defense companies are, at this moment, making more munitions than they have ever made before, in addition to expanding their plants and equipment at record levels. And as we build up, we will start issuing more to our allies in Europe and elsewhere."
A spokesperson for Gen. Caine stated, “We do not comment on the confidential military advice the Chairman provides the President."
A U.S. official commented that despite an increase in attacks, a consistent series of technical-level diplomatic talks has indicated a potential for progress on critical issues, such as the Strait of Hormuz. "The duck has been paddling below the surface," the official said.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the Iranian delegation has not made any requests for continued negotiations. White House communications director Steven Cheung reiterated in a statement that "President Trump has always been consistent in saying he prefers a diplomatic solution, but he continues to retain all options if Iran continues terrorist activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against allies."