President Donald Trump's national security team met at the White House on Friday to weigh military responses after Iran launched a surprise missile strike on American forces. The Pentagon confirmed the meeting as Trump vowed to retaliate forcefully.

Trump's public remarks a day earlier signaled a hardening posture toward Tehran, promising that the United States would strike back. Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs leaders briefed the president on potential targets during the session.

The strike marked a sharp escalation in hostilities that have unsettled the region for weeks. Congressional leaders pressed for consultation before any strike, with House Democrats demanding a War Powers vote to constrain further military action. Senate Republicans largely backed the president, arguing that a robust response was necessary to deter Iran from additional attacks on US personnel.

The standoff placed renewed strain on American allies in the Gulf, several of whom host US bases and fear becoming targets. State Department officials said Washington was coordinating with partners in the region and briefing NATO allies on the evolving situation.

Oil prices climbed and financial markets fell as investors braced for a wider conflict. Analysts at the Eurasia Group warned that any direct US strike on Iranian soil risked a prolonged confrontation across the Middle East.