White House says diplomacy 'first option' with Iran, won't rule out strikes

2026-02-18 - 21:32

The White House affirmed Wednesday that diplomacy remains President Donald Trump's "first option" in negotiations with Iran, even as administration officials acknowledge he is consulting broadly about potential military action. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that while "many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran" exist, "diplomacy is always his first option, and Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with this administration." Military Option Remains on Table Leavitt pointed to Trump's June order striking Iranian nuclear facilities—which the administration maintains "totally obliterated" Tehran's nuclear program—as evidence of the president's willingness to use force when necessary. Asked about coordination with Israel on potential attacks and whether Iran faces a deadline for agreement, Leavitt declined to provide specifics, saying only that Trump is "talking to many people, of course, his national security team first and foremost." Progress in Indirect Talks The comments follow Tuesday's conclusion of a second round of indirect US-Iran negotiations mediated by Oman in Geneva. Both sides reported constructive progress, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi describing the atmosphere as "more constructive" and US Vice President JD Vance acknowledging talks were productive "in some ways" while noting Tehran remains unwilling to engage on certain Trump "red lines." The diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of significant American military buildup, including the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group deployment and the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier en route to the region. Strategic Calculus Washington's dual-track approach of active diplomacy backed by substantial military reinforcement reflects Trump's stated preference for negotiated outcomes while maintaining credible threat of force. The administration's messaging suggests openness to continued dialogue but signals impatience with Iranian reluctance to address core US demands. With additional fighter jets deployed and naval assets converging, the military pressure appears designed to concentrate Iranian minds as both sides determine whether the "constructive" atmosphere in Geneva can translate into tangible agreement before diplomatic windows close.