President Donald Trump convened a National Security Council meeting Friday morning in the White House Situation Room following Israeli airstrikes on Iran that have dramatically escalated tensions in the Middle East. In a post on Truth Social, Trump warned that Israel’s next round of attacks on Iran would be “even more brutal,” urging Iran to negotiate on its nuclear program before further destruction occurs. He described prior strikes as causing “great death and destruction” and claimed top Iranian military leaders were among the dead. Trump emphasized the strength of U.S. military equipment, stating that Israel has access to “the best and most lethal” arms, and warned Iran that further defiance would lead to total devastation. Meanwhile, Israel confirmed targeting over 100 sites, including a major nuclear facility at Natanz. Among the casualties were high-ranking Iranian officials, including General Hossein Salami and Major General Mohammad Bagheri of the IRGC, along with much of Iran’s air force command.

The strikes came just days ahead of scheduled nuclear negotiations in Oman between the U.S. and Iran, which now face uncertainty. Trump expressed mixed feelings about the timing of Israel’s attacks, noting they could either jeopardize or accelerate diplomatic talks. Following the assault, Iran launched a drone counterattack on Israel, which was reportedly intercepted. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the U.S. had no involvement in the operation and urged Iran not to retaliate against American assets. Trump confirmed CENTCOM is on full alert and reiterated U.S. readiness to defend both itself and Israel.