Trump narrows advisory circle as he considers strikes on Iran

President Donald Trump is increasingly depending on a small group of trusted advisers as he contemplates potential U.S. military strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear programme, according to defence and senior administration sources.

While Trump frequently seeks input from a broad range of allies both inside and outside the White House, key decisions appear to be made with just a select few officials, Caliber.Az reports, citing U.S. media.

Those closest to him include Vice President J.D. Vance, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also acting as interim National Security Adviser.

Trump additionally consults his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, on matters within that remit.

The President has notably pared down his advisory circle in some respects, sidelining National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, who opposes strikes on Iran.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s role in the decision-making process has also diminished, despite official denials that he has been excluded. A Defence Department spokesperson insisted that Hegseth remains in close contact with Trump, participating regularly in Situation Room briefings.

Key military and intelligence figures such as General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Erik Kurilla, Commander of U.S. Central Command, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe continue to provide counsel.

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, indicated that a decision on American involvement in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict is expected within the next fortnight.

This approach marks a departure from precedent. Unlike most presidents since the Second World War, Trump does not appear to rely on senior officials to systematically prepare and present foreign policy and military options for measured discussion.

Instead, his consultations tend to be informal and wide-ranging, encompassing conversations with various foreign leaders and contacts outside government.

This informal style has reportedly reduced opportunities for senior officials and military commanders to challenge the President’s views or raise concerns about proposed courses of action.

For example, last month’s announcement lifting sanctions on Syria caught many senior officials off guard, with Treasury staff unprepared for the sudden policy shift, which required complex coordination with foreign banks and Syrian authorities.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has significantly scaled back the National Security Council’s role, limiting its traditional function of collaborating across federal agencies to develop coherent policy options and assess potential consequences, particularly regarding military engagement.

By Aghakazim Guliyev