As Iran stages fresh missile and drone drills along its southern coast, the White House is pushing back against mounting speculation of imminent U.S. strikes. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Trump’s “first option is always diplomacy,” but stressed he is prepared to use “lethal force” if necessary. Her remarks come amid viral footage of Iran’s so-called “mosquito fleet” and claims of a tightening missile net aimed at U.S. carriers.