Trump calls emergency Iran meeting as allies warn of possible strikes ‘within hours’ | Top updates

US President Donald Trump - File Photo

US President Donald Trump convened an urgent meeting of his top national security advisers on Wednesday as fears mounted that Washington could be on the brink of military action against Iran, according to multiple media reports.

Two US officials familiar with the matter told Axios that Trump summoned senior aides to review the status of nuclear talks with Tehran and to discuss possible next steps. The President was briefed on indirect negotiations held earlier this week in Geneva and the growing concern within the administration that diplomacy may be close to collapse.

Sources cited by Axios said the Trump administration is closer to launching a major military operation against Iran than at any point so far, warning that any strike would likely involve a weeks-long campaign rather than a limited or symbolic attack.

White House plays down urgency

While reports described Trump as being rushed into a crisis meeting, the White House pushed back on that characterisation. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the gathering had been scheduled in advance.

She said the meeting was intended to receive updates from US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on the Geneva talks, rather than to respond to an immediate emergency.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials also attended the meeting. One US official told Axios that Washington expects Iran to return by the end of the month with a concrete package of steps addressing US concerns over its nuclear programme.

Ally issues stark warning

The sense of urgency intensified after Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that military action against Iran could be imminent. Speaking on Thursday, Tusk urged Polish citizens to evacuate immediately.

“In a few hours there may be no more possibility to evacuate Poles from Iran,” he said.

“Please leave Iran immediately… and do not go to this country under any circumstances,” Tusk added.

His remarks fuelled speculation that allied governments had received intelligence suggesting a narrow window before potential strikes.

Military build-up raises alarm

In recent weeks, Trump has ordered what officials describe as the largest concentration of US infantry, naval and air power near Iran since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The build-up has included aircraft carriers, heavy bombers, fighter squadrons and air defence systems positioned across the region.

According to Axios, any US military action would resemble a full-scale war more than last month’s limited operation in Venezuela. Several reports also indicated that Israel would likely support the United States in a joint campaign if diplomacy fails.

Trump has demanded sweeping concessions from Tehran on its nuclear activities and ballistic missile programme, demands Iran has repeatedly rejected.

UK withholds base access

Complicating US military planning, the United Kingdom has reportedly blocked Washington from using British bases to launch strikes against Iran.

According to The Times, the US has drawn up strike plans involving the Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean and RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, which hosts US heavy bombers in Europe.

However, London has not granted permission for its bases to be used. British officials are said to be concerned that authorising such strikes could breach international law, which holds states accountable if they assist in an attack while having “knowledge of the circumstances of the internationally wrongful act.”