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US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he has not reached a final decision on authorizing U.S. military strikes against Iran, as escalating exchanges between Israel and Iran raise concerns about broader regional conflict.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he prefers to delay major decisions until the last possible moment, particularly regarding military action.
"I don't want to fight either. I'm not looking to fight. But if it's a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do, and maybe we won't have to fight," Trump said.
The president acknowledged he has developed potential courses of action but emphasized his preference for last-minute decision-making. "I have ideas as to what to do. I like to make a final decision one second before it's due," he said. "Things change, especially with war. Things change with war. You go from one extreme to the other. War is very bad. There was no reason for this to be."
Trump announced plans to convene a Situation Room meeting within the hour to discuss the deteriorating situation.
The comments come as Israel and Iran continue exchanging attacks following Israel's June 13 strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military installations across multiple cities. The large-scale Israeli operation targeted nuclear sites, high-ranking military command centers, military officials and nuclear scientists.
Iranian media reported Wednesday that casualties from Israeli airstrikes in Tehran and other populated areas have reached 585 dead and at least 1,326 injured since the attacks began last week.
Iran has responded with ballistic missile strikes against Israel, reportedly killing 24 people and wounding more than 500.
The president also reiterated earlier claims that Iranian officials have expressed interest in visiting the White House, though he acknowledged the timing may be problematic.
"They want to meet, but it's a little late to meet, but they want to meet, and they want to come to the White House so they can come to the White House, so we'll see. I may do that," Trump said. "They want to see me in the White House. That's a big statement. But it's very late."
Iran's mission to the United Nations quickly rejected Trump's characterization, posting on X: "No Iranian official has ever asked to grovel at the gates of the White House."
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