Trump discusses possible resumption of military action against Iran with national security team

President Donald Trump held a meeting with his national security team on Thursday to evaluate whether the United States should restart military operations against Iran, senior officials told Fox News. The discussions followed earlier meetings at the White House on Wednesday and Thursday, and coincided with a new moon phase that analysts say could favor combat activities.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that Washington would "make a decision" on resuming the war and asked, "Do we want to go further" with strikes to ensure Iran's nuclear program is dead. He added that he would prefer not to destroy the rest of the country if possible, but indicated a decision could come soon.

U.S. Central Command is finalizing preparations for a potential escalation but has not yet received a new directive from the White House, according to a U.S. official. Meanwhile, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi told Trump in a phone call that Iraqi territory must not be used as a launchpad for attacks against neighboring states, emphasizing respect for state sovereignty.

The Pentagon has continued aerial refueling operations over the Middle East as part of an ongoing blockade of Iranian ports. No formal order for renewed strikes has been issued, and the situation remains under close review by U.S. military leadership.