Trump consults select advisers as he mulls possible Iran strike: Report

ISTANBUL

US President Donald Trump is increasingly relying on a close-knit group of advisers as he considers launching military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities, NBC News reported Thursday, citing two defense officials and a senior administration source.

At the same time, Trump is reportedly seeking input from a broader group of allies — both inside and outside the administration — to gauge opinions on whether he should approve military action in Iran, a move that has divided his core supporters, said another senior official.

Although he frequently solicits advice from a wide range of people, Trump typically makes key decisions with a small group of close advisers, including Vice President JD Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also serving as interim national security adviser, according to the senior official.

Trump also consults Steve Witkoff, his envoy for Middle East affairs, on decisions within his scope.

As he weighs the possibility of US involvement in direct conflict with Iran, Trump has allegedly tightened his inner circle, sidelining certain officials.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who is known to oppose military action, has reportedly been excluded from key discussions, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is likewise said to be largely excluded from Trump’s regular decision-making loop, according to the officials.

Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, however, has rejected the characterization.

“This claim is completely false. The secretary is speaking with the president multiple times daily and has been present in the Situation Room this week. Secretary Hegseth is offering strong leadership and continues to support the president’s 'peace through strength' approach," he said.

Defense sources and a former administration official said Trump is also listening closely to Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the head of US Central Command Gen. Erik Kurilla, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks regarding possible US military involvement in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict.

Unlike his post–World War II predecessors, Trump does not rely on structured policy briefings by senior officials when it comes to foreign and military affairs, said two sources familiar with the process.

Instead, his decision-making style is more informal, with conversations often taking place with a mix of administration members, foreign leaders, and outside contacts. This less formal style may limit opportunities for others to challenge his assumptions or raise concerns, the sources added.

Last month, Trump surprised many when he announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria after meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Officials at the Treasury Department were caught off guard, as no planning had been done, nor were foreign banks or Syrian officials consulted ahead of time, according to those with direct knowledge.

Since returning to office in January, Trump has significantly reduced the role of the National Security Council, which traditionally coordinates with federal agencies to develop policy options and assess the consequences of military actions.