White House Press Secretary Addresses Questions on US-Iran Conflict and Trump's Statements During Briefing

The White House held a press briefing on Thursday where Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt discussed the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The briefing began with an announcement on AI legislation supported by former First Lady Melania Trump. Leavitt addressed the US military operations that started six weeks ago, including bombing campaigns in Iran.

Leavitt stated that the US achieved a historically swift and successful military triumph against Iran. She claimed the actions provided maximum leverage in negotiations. The briefing occurred days after President Trump posted on Truth Social, stating 'Open the F—IN’ Strait, you crazy bastards,' and hours after he said a whole civilization would die tonight.

questioned the benefits of the military actions for the American people.

Leavitt responded that six weeks ago, the president promised the American people he would go to war for their benefit, and the administration maintains that the actions fulfilled this. She noted that an initial 10-point plan from Iran was discarded by Trump, though he was not in the negotiating room, and a new deal was brokered.

One journalist asked why it was appropriate for Trump to threaten genocide before the deal.

Leavitt replied that the president focuses on results, and his tough rhetoric is effective given the US military's power. When pressed on whether the world should take Trump's statements seriously, Leavitt said the world should take him seriously but did not provide further explanation.

Andrew Feinberg of The Independent asked how the US can claim the moral high ground after such threats, given its historical role as a moral leader in international affairs.

Leavitt responded that the president has the moral high ground over the Iranian regime and called Feinberg's suggestion otherwise disgraceful. More than 100 lawmakers have called for invoking the 25th Amendment in response to Trump's statements.