Trump Advisers Urge Iran Campaign Within Eight Weeks, NBC Reports

Some administration and defense officials have told President Donald Trump that the next eight weeks offer a narrowing opportunity to restart major combat operations against Iran, NBC News reported, citing two U.S. officials.

Their argument centers on the arrival of a Democratic-controlled Congress in January. A new campaign could face investigations, funding restrictions or measures aimed at halting hostilities once the new lawmakers take office, according to the report.

The timetable reflects the advisers’ political calculation, not an announced strike date. Trump has not made a final decision.

Hegseth Pushes Strikes, Vance Pursues Talks

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly continues to advocate renewed strikes. Vice President JD Vance favors negotiations intended to secure a ceasefire and restart nuclear talks. These positions emerge from reporting on internal deliberations, rather than new public policy announcements.

Trump received an updated briefing on Thursday on the Iranian threat and military options, attended by Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, NBC reported. The discussions follow earlier national security meetings on whether to resume the campaign.

Hegseth publicly defended the conflict this week, describing it as “a courageous and historic effort.”

Vance has been in near-daily contact with Qatari and Pakistani mediators, according to Times Now’s coverage of the diplomatic effort. White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are also involved.

Trump has continued to signal that talks remain open. “We’re talking to Iran,” he told reporters Friday.

In separate remarks, he said officials were dealing with Tehran and would see whether it made a deal.

Nuclear and Energy Sites Under Discussion

Potential targets discussed with Trump include Iranian nuclear facilities and oil and gas infrastructure, according to NBC’s reporting as relayed by Iran International. Pickaxe Mountain was among the nuclear sites identified. Discussion of a target does not mean a strike has been authorized.

Times Now, reporting on the NBC account, also said Trump had approved military operations against Iran on several occasions before calling them off shortly before launch. The report did not establish a final timetable for a new campaign.

The U.S. military remains prepared to strike at short notice if ordered, Times Now reported. A White House official told NBC that Trump had “all options available at any time.”

Trump’s public comments have kept escalation open without confirming an order. During his earlier national security discussions, he said he would rather avoid further destruction but might have to proceed.

He also described U.S. forces as “locked and loaded” if further action became necessary.

Limited Strikes Continue

The prospect of a larger campaign is distinct from the limited operations Trump has acknowledged. Speaking after arriving in West Palm Beach late Friday, he described the confrontation as a “minor military operation,” not a war.

Asked about strikes near Qeshm Island, he said U.S. forces had destroyed an anti-aircraft device. Those comments did not announce a broader offensive.

The central choice remains unresolved: whether to expand military action or continue efforts to reach an agreement. The reported eight-week window is pressure on that decision, not evidence that it has been taken.