White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is set to address the media this afternoon, marking her first briefing since President Trump authorized military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities.
President Trump returned to the U.S. on Wednesday following his participation in the NATO Summit held in The Hague, Netherlands.
During this summit, the President engaged in discussions and bilateral meetings with several foreign leaders, including a notable encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This meeting was particularly significant as it was their first since their controversial White House gathering in April.
In a clear indication of ongoing support, Trump announced plans to supply additional Patriot missiles to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
This diplomatic tour followed Trump’s successful negotiation of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which came on the heels of U.S. strikes against Iranian targets. However, the ceasefire’s fragility was immediately evident as both nations exchanged rocket fire shortly after the agreement, raising alarm over the potential for continued hostilities.
Before departing the White House for NATO, Trump expressed his frustrations regarding the ceasefire negotiations, criticizing both Israel and Iran for their apparent disregard for the agreement. âWe basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they donât know what the f*ck theyâre doing!â he remarked to reporters, adding with a hint of determination, âAs soon as I get away from you, Iâm going to see if I can stop it.â
âTHEY DONâT KNOW WHAT THE F*CK THEYâRE DOING!â â Trump GOES OFF on âRidiculousâ Situation in Israel and Iran as He Departs for NATO Summit, Says Israel âUnloaded Right After we Made the Dealâ
Despite the tumult, reports indicate that the ceasefire is holding, albeit tenuously, with Trump stating that U.S. and Iranian officials are slated to meet next week to discuss future steps.
In her upcoming briefing, Leavitt is anticipated to cover the forthcoming U.S.-Iran discussions as well as last weekend’s military actions against Iran.
Reporters are likely to press her on claims that Iranâs nuclear facilities remain âlargely intactâ and that the U.S. strikes have only delayed their progress by a matter of months.
Adding to the drama, a âTop Secretâ intelligence assessment regarding the strikes was leaked to CNN, which aired the information live on Tuesday. Leavitt confirmed that “the FBI is investigating the source of the leak and that the leaker should go to jail.”
The briefing is scheduled to commence at 1 PM ET.
Watch live below:
