The discussion is understood to have taken place a day after the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) watchdog found Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile was 12 times what was permitted under the 2015 nuclear deal that Mr Trump pulled out of in 2018.

A source close to Mr Trump said the president “asked for options”, the New York Times reported.

However, Mr Trump was dissuaded from advancing his attack plans by his advisers.

His advisers explained any action would lead to a larger conflict in the Middle East.