Trump holds 80-minute NSC meeting to discuss U.S. involvement in Iran-Israel conflict

MEANWHILE following an unexpected early departure from his diplomatic engagements in Canada U.S. President Donald Trump held a National Security Council meeting on Tuesday to address the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Moon Hye-ryeon reports.

As the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, U.S. President Donald Trump convened a National Security Council meeting in Washington.

Taking to social media on Tuesday ahead of the talks, Trump warned that the U.S. knows where Iran's supreme leader is hiding, and called for "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER."

He added that while the Iranian leader is an "easy target", they are not going to kill him – "at least for now."

Following the 80-minute NSC meeting, CNN reported that Trump is "warming" to the idea of using U.S. military assets to strike Iran, and that he spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

American strategic bombers equipped with bunker-busting munitions are seen as a key component of any potential operation aimed at disabling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility.

According to Reuters, fighter aircraft have been deployed to the Middle East already, although U.S. military officials have emphasized their defensive nature.

So far, Washington's involvement in the conflict has remained defensive — supporting Israel by helping intercept Iranian missile attacks.

The U.S. already has significant military presence in the region, including troops, warplanes and air defense systems equipped to neutralize aerial threats.

While the White House has yet to issue an official statement regarding the outcome of the NSC talks, analysts suggest the administration may also be preparing a diplomatic proposal alongside its military options.

"This would involve ending the Iranian nuclear program, Iran agreeing to not controlling any uranium enrichment capability, and then in return, the United States would lift economic sanctions."

On Monday Israel issued evacuation orders affecting 300,000 people in central Tehran.

President Trump took to his social media platform on the same day urging civilians to "immediately evacuate" the Iranian capital.

The U.S. State Department has since launched a task force to assist American citizens and residents seeking to leave the region.

As the situation unfolds, global attention is now on whether the United States will enter the Israel-Iran conflict with military support, or push for peaceful negotiations.

Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.