White House says diplomacy is ‘always’ Trump’s top option for Iran – US politics live

From 4h ago 19.10 GMT White House says 'diplomacy' is 'always' top option for Trump on Iran When asked about the possibility of US strikes against Iran, Leavitt said that the Trump administration “totally obliterated Iran’s nuclear facilities” and has been clear that “diplomacy” is always the president’s “first option”. “Iran would be very wise to make a deal with president Trump,” Leavitt added today. She also noted that while there was a “little bit of progress” following Tuesday’s talks in Geneva between the US and Iran, “we’re still very far apart on some issues”. Leavitt did not answer a question about an exact deadline that Donald Trump would give Iran to achieve a deal, before engaging in military action. Share Updated at 21.25 GMT

45m ago 22.02 GMT NYU hospital to shutter gender-affirming care program for minors Shrai Popat NYU Langone Health, one of New York City’s major hospital networks, announced this week that it will shut down its gender‑affirming care program for minors, as the Trump administration escalates threats to strip federal funding from providers that treat trans youth. In a statement to the Guardian, spokesperson Steve Ritea said that “given the recent departure of our medical director, coupled with the current regulatory environment, we made the difficult decision to discontinue our Transgender Youth Health Program.” He added that the hospital’s pediatric mental health services will continue. The move comes after months of sustained pressure from the administration, including an executive order signed shortly after Trump returned to office declaring that the federal government will not “fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so‑called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another”. NYU Langone reportedly began cancelling appointments for minors soon after the order was issued. New York attorney general Letitia James directed the hospital to resume care, warning that the network risked violating state anti‑discrimination laws. A federal judge later issued a temporary restraining order blocking the administration’s directive from taking effect. In December, however, the Department of Health and Human Services proposed a rule that would withhold Medicare and Medicaid funding from hospitals providing “sex‑rejecting procedures for children under 18”. Gender‑affirming care is endorsed by major US and international medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. Treatments such as puberty blockers are reversible, and surgery for minors is rare. Providers emphasize that care plans follow extensive evaluations and involve families throughout. Local officials and advocacy groups condemned NYU Langone’s decision, arguing the hospital is capitulating to threats to cut federal funds. Manhattan borough president Brad Hoylman‑Sigal said the closure would “jeopardize the lives and well‑being of their patients”. “Studies have shown that ending gender‑affirming care after it has begun without patient consent can carry significant physical and mental health risks,” he said.