Trump Holds Situation Room Meeting, Considers Large-Scale Operation in Iran

Just hours after threatening to “hit them hard again today” in the Islamic Republic, President Donald Trump held a meeting with senior administration and military officials, according to two American sources. Trump is weighing a broad but short-term operation aimed at pressuring Tehran to change its position in negotiations.

In the absence of a breakthrough, further American strikes could come soon.

Barak Ravid, N12 Published: 10.06.26, 23:12 | Updated: 10.06.26, 23:22 U.S. President Donald Trump (archive) | Photo: Reuters

President Trump held a Situation Room briefing at the White House this evening (Wednesday) to discuss possible further strikes against Iran, just hours after telling reporters that the United States would “hit them again hard today,” according to two American sources.

Why it matters: The sources said one option Trump is considering is a broad but short-lived operation intended to pressure Iran to change its position in the negotiations. The sources did not provide further details.

The situation: Qatari mediators held talks on Wednesday with senior Iranian officials in Tehran in an effort to revive momentum for the deal that the United States and Iran have been negotiating for weeks. In the absence of a breakthrough, further American strikes could come soon. The United States attacked Iranian radar sites and air defense systems on Tuesday night in response to the downing of an American helicopter, but the strikes were planned to avoid casualties and leave room for an agreement.

Emir of Qatar Al-Thani (archive) | Photo: AP

Behind the scenes: The Situation Room meeting was attended by Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and other senior officials, according to the sources. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth took part in the briefing from U.S. Central Command headquarters (CENTCOM) in Tampa, Florida.

“If they don’t make a deal, we’re going to hit them hard,” Hegseth told soldiers during his visit to Florida, echoing Trump’s remarks earlier in the day.

Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Pete Hegseth, secretary of defense (archive) | Photo: AP

The big picture: Trump has become increasingly frustrated after nearly two weeks of waiting for an Iranian response to his latest proposal. So far, no such answer has arrived. The White House did not respond to a request for comment.

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