Overview

• Gen. Erik Kurilla has secured unusually frequent access to President Trump and shaped U.S. Iran strategy before options reach the Oval Office.
• Pete Hegseth’s backing of Kurilla has overridden objections from Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine and Under Secretary Elbridge Colby.
• A second carrier strike group recently transited the Suez Canal and F-22, F-35 and F-16 squadrons have been rerouted to reinforce Gulf air defenses.
• President Trump told reporters he is keeping all military options on the table regarding Iran and declined to rule out a strike.
• Iranian officials have offered to negotiate at the White House, but it remains unclear how talks would affect the ongoing force buildup.