President Donald Trump said he was briefed this week by Central Command chief Admiral Bradley Cooper on potential military options against Iran, outlining a stark choice between military action and a negotiated agreement. Speaking outside the White House, Trump said the options were to 'blast the hell out of them' or attempt to reach a deal, adding that he would prefer to avoid bombing Iran but remains determined to prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

Trump argued that divisions within Iran's leadership have complicated negotiations, claiming that competing factions are seeking different arrangements with the United States. He said Tehran is demanding concessions he cannot accept.

The president also confirmed plans to host the leaders of Israel and Lebanon, as Washington pushes for direct engagement between the two countries. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has so far resisted meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing domestic pressure and tensions linked to the continued presence of Israeli forces in a buffer zone in southern Lebanon.