Trump rejects intelligence assessment on Iran nukes

US President Donald Trump insisted that Tehran was “very close” to building a nuclear weapon despite congressional testimony from his top intelligence adviser earlier this year.

Back in March, national intelligence director Tulsi Gabbard told lawmakers that spy agencies have assessed that “Iran is not building a nuclear weapon” and the country's supreme leader “has not authorised the nuclear weapons programme that he suspended in 2003”.

Trump dismissed that when speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during an overnight flight back to Washington after leaving the G7 summit early. “I don't care what she said,” Trump said. “I think they were very close to having it.”

Trump not in the 'mood to negotiate'

“Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon, it's very simple,” Trump told reporters on Air Force One during his overnight flight back to Washington.

He accused Iranian leaders of being unwilling to reach an agreement over their nuclear programme, and suggested he was now less interested in talking with them.

“They should have done the deal. I told them, do the deal,” Trump said. “So I don't know. I'm not too much in the mood to negotiate.”

The Republican president, who said he plans to meet with advisers in the Situation Room, appears to be gradually building the public case for a more direct American role in the conflict.

His shift in tone comes as the US has repositioned warships and military aircraft in the region to respond if the conflict between Israel and Iran further escalates.

Iran cancels leave for medical personnel

In Tehran on Tuesday, placards and boards calling for a “severe” response to Israel could be seen everywhere. Authorities cancelled leave and vacations for doctors and nurses as the attacks continue. Long lines could be seen at gas stations.