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President says U.S. is 'talking' with Iran and is 'locked and loaded' on military options
Summary
Reporters asked whether the administration planned major strikes on Iran; the president said negotiators were engaged and described negotiation as the 'smarter strategy' while also saying the U.S. was 'locked and loaded' and ready to escalate if needed.
When asked whether the administration intended to carry out major strikes on Iran, the president said U.S. officials were "talking to them right now" and described two possible approaches: continued military pressure or negotiation. He said, "I consider that the smarter way," but added that the U.S. could escalate military efforts and that it was "locked and loaded and ready to go."
Reporters pressed on who was participating in talks; the president said multiple people were involved and named private advisers and political operatives but did not detail the official negotiation team. The president also argued that removing Iran's nuclear leadership and reducing its capabilities had been part of U.S. efforts and said he preferred to negotiate if possible.
The briefing recorded the president's public position on the use of force and diplomacy but did not include a formal policy document, legal authorization or a timetable for any military action.
