The U.S. president on Friday discussed behind closed doors with his senior advisers his options toward the Islamic Republic, including a significant expansion of military operations. ABC News reported this news, citing two sources who were familiar with the matter.

The New York Times had previously reported on this meeting. The newspaper, citing four people who were aware of the meeting’s agenda, wrote that the goal was decision-making on intensifying the military attack, and that senior members of the cabinet were also present. CNN also reported, citing a source familiar with the matter, that the subject was the likely escalation of the war if the negotiations failed.

As written by The New York Times, the meeting took place as Donald Trump’s policy toward the Islamic Republic had reached a possible turning point. This situation emerged after the collapse of a fragile ceasefire and an understanding that was intended to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table for a long-term deal on nuclear disarmament.

In response to questions from reporters on Friday evening, Mr. Trump did not explicitly say whether he had made a decision about the path ahead or not. At a ceremony at the White House, he said that America is “armed and ready,” while at the same time telling the other side that it is open to talks.