Trump frustrated by lack of consensus on Iran strategy, White House denies outburst

President Donald Trump is reported to be "exasperated" by the absence of a clear strategy to end the ongoing Iran conflict and by disagreements among his top military advisers, according to an unnamed source close to the president. The source told NBC News that Trump did not expect the negotiations with Tehran to be so difficult and that there was no definitive plan for the duration or steps needed to reach a settlement.

A second U.S. official, also speaking anonymously, said the president’s frustration stems from a lack of agreement on how to proceed after the February 28 joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and triggered retaliation, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a subsequent stalemate. "After all this time, there is no unity," the official said, adding that the United States has achieved tactical victories but faces a strategic defeat without clear policy guidance.

The source claimed Trump "erupted" during a recent meeting with his national security team, allegedly yelling expletives at participants. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied the incident, stating, "This is false. The president has a great team whom he trusts, and everyone on the team knows he’s the final decision-maker." Leavitt later told The Independent that Trump will not stand by as Iran allegedly violates a memorandum of understanding, endangering U.S. forces in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said the Department of Defense is "locked and loaded, ready to execute the president’s directives at a moment’s notice," and added that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine are "completely aligned and united in mission, strategy, and resolve regarding overseas operations involving Iran."

The conflict, which began with the February airstrikes, has entered its sixth month despite Trump’s campaign promise to avoid new "forever wars." While Trump has repeatedly described Tehran as "desperate" to negotiate, the Iranian side continues to launch attacks. Within the administration, officials are reportedly split, with Defense Secretary Hegseth and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favoring increased military pressure, while Vice President JD Vance and Chairman Caine question the efficacy of prolonged strikes.

Trump, speaking on Fox News, said the United States will intensify its response, using strong language to describe future actions against Iran.