White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that U.S. President Donald Trump prioritizes diplomatic solutions to address escalating tensions with Iran. However, she emphasized that the use of military force remains "on the table" if deemed necessary to protect national interests.
The statement comes amid heightened regional scrutiny following recent maritime disputes in the Strait of Hormuz. Leavitt affirmed that President Trump "believes in dialogue first," but added that the U.S. military maintains "unmatched readiness" to respond to threats. Analysts suggest this dual approach reflects ongoing efforts to balance global security concerns with economic stability in energy markets.
Business leaders in Asia are closely monitoring developments, given the region's reliance on Middle Eastern oil exports. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources indicate behind-the-scenes discussions involving APEC members to prevent further escalation. The Chinese mainland has yet to issue an official response to the latest U.S. stance.
