President Donald Trump is increasingly relying on a tight circle of advisers as he considers military action against Iran’s nuclear program. While he consults a broader range of allies for input, key decisions are typically made with a small group, 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 also serves as interim national security adviser. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is also consulted on relevant decisions.
In his approach to the potential conflict with Iran, Trump has both expanded and narrowed his advisory circle. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who opposes military strikes, has been sidelined, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly not played a significant role in discussions, though a Pentagon spokesman refuted this, emphasizing Hegseth’s daily communication with Trump. Key military voices, such as General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, are part of the informal consultations that characterize Trump’s decision-making.
Trump’s foreign policy approach notably contrasts with that of previous presidents, as he often engages in unstructured discussions rather than relying on formalized briefings. This method can limit opportunities for senior officials to challenge his assumptions. For instance, after lifting sanctions on Syria following a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, officials were caught off guard, as they had received no prior notice or preparation for the announcement.
Since taking office again in January, Trump has significantly reduced the National Security Council’s role, further diminishing the traditional collaborative framework for military and foreign policy decision-making. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump’s decision regarding involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict is expected within the next two weeks.
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