White House says peace preferred but ready to ‘unleash hell’ on Iran

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Wednesday, March 25, said President Donald Trump is pursuing a dual-track approach toward Iran, combining ongoing military pressure with the possibility of diplomatic engagement.

Speaking at the daily press briefing, Leavitt said the President’s “preference is peace” but emphasized that military options remain on the table if talks fail.

Leavitt confirmed that planned US strikes on certain Iranian energy targets have been temporarily delayed to allow space for discussions.

She said the decision followed signals that Iran may be open to engagement, though she did not provide details on the format or level of those contacts.

At the same time, she cautioned that the administration is prepared to escalate if negotiations do not produce results. “The President is willing to listen,” she said, adding that the US response would be decisive if diplomacy breaks down.

White House denies 15-point plan rejection

Leavitt addressed reports about a proposed US framework for ending the conflict, often described in media accounts as a “15-point plan.” She rejected claims that Iran has formally turned down such a proposal, stating that “they have not” and that discussions are continuing.

She also urged caution regarding details circulating in the media, describing some reports as incomplete or based on unnamed sources.

While acknowledging that certain elements may reflect ongoing discussions, Leavitt said the administration has not publicly confirmed a finalized framework.

Officials have indicated that multiple proposals and conditions are being evaluated as part of broader diplomatic efforts, though no agreement has been announced.

Navy ‘annihilated’ in historic military triumph

Leavitt described the first weeks of the operation as a significant military campaign targeting Iran’s naval and maritime capabilities.

She said US forces have conducted extensive strikes against vessels and infrastructure linked to Iran’s ability to operate in regional waters.

According to the White House, the campaign has focused on reducing threats to commercial shipping and limiting Iran’s capacity to deploy naval assets.

Defense officials have reported ongoing operations aimed at securing maritime routes and protecting energy flows in the region.

Leavitt said the objective is to degrade Iran’s operational reach at sea, though the Pentagon has not released full independent assessments of the scale of damage.

Thousands of enemy targets struck successfully

The Press Secretary said US forces have carried out thousands of strikes since the start of the operation, targeting a range of military sites.

She noted that the campaign has included facilities linked to missile systems, drones, and other strategic assets.

Leavitt added that the pace of Iranian missile and drone activity has declined since the initial phase of the conflict, though sporadic attacks continue.

Military officials have attributed the change to sustained pressure on key infrastructure.

Despite ongoing operations, Leavitt reiterated that the administration is leaving room for a diplomatic outcome. She said the President remains open to a resolution that addresses US security concerns while avoiding further escalation.