Military pressure is more likely than diplomatic restraint to produce an Iran settlement

The goals, strategies, and tools of United States foreign policy as set by the president, Congress, and executive agencies, including alliances, sanctions, war powers, diplomacy, and the political debates over America's role in the world.

Defence of a state against external and internal threats, spanning intelligence services, military operations, counterterrorism and the classification of information. Covers the tension between secrecy and oversight, and the agencies whose work is largely conducted beyond public view.

The policies, political debates, and institutional decisions shaping how the United States engages with Iran, from diplomacy and sanctions to military and congressional action.

Trump administration national security officials met at Camp David on October 2, 2026, to consider the Iran war and Saudi-Houthi conflict in Yemen. Saudi planners were considering an offensive to retake the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, but the United States had not committed to join it.

President Donald Trump’s September 22, 2026, address to the United Nations General Assembly defended U.S. war against Iran and framed a choice between a deal and expanded attacks. Secretary of State Rubio said U.S. officials were open to talks with Iran, though no meeting was scheduled.