Sources familiar with the matter confirmed that Trump has received multiple briefings on potential military options and sought input from a wide range of officials in the West Wing. However, there is uncertainty within the administration regarding whether airstrikes alone could coerce Iran into relinquishing its nuclear capabilities or trigger leadership changes in Tehran.
Trump denied reports suggesting Gen. Dan Caine, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, cautioned against military action, emphasizing that he alone would make the ultimate decision.
In a separate development, President Trump has signaled an aggressive stance on global trade. Following a Supreme Court ruling limiting his authority over previous tariff measures, Trump stated he could deploy tariffs in a “much more powerful and obnoxious way,” prompting urgent calls from the UK and EU for clarity on existing trade agreements.
Security Breach at Mar-a-Lago
Security concerns continue at Trump’s Florida residence after a 21-year-old man, Austin Tucker Martin, was shot and killed for breaching the Mar-a-Lago perimeter with a shotgun. Investigators are probing his motive, reportedly linked to the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files, highlighting potential security risks for the President.
Other US Updates
- The US Supreme Court agreed to hear a climate accountability case against fossil fuel firms, a first in the high court’s history.
- Millions in New York and the northeastern US faced travel bans due to blizzard conditions, disrupting daily life.
- US military conducted a strike on a suspected drug smuggling boat in the Caribbean, marking its third action in a week.
- CDC principal deputy director Ralph Abraham stepped down, marking the second senior exit from the agency in February.
- Universities continue to grapple with revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files implicating administrators and faculty nationwide.