Live Briefing: White House Addresses Iran Tensions, Venezuela Oil Sale and New Health Plan

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt will hold a live briefing Thursday at 1 p.m. EST as the administration addresses escalating tensions with Iran and several high-profile policy developments.

What Officials Will Likely Address

The briefing comes after President Trump encouraged Iranian protesters earlier this week to keep pressuring Tehran and said that "help is on the way," comments that prompted strong pushback and threats from Iran. Officials are expected to describe the U.S. position and any next steps or support being considered.

The administration also faces scrutiny over its recent takeover of Venezuela's oil reserves following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. U.S. officials confirmed that the first sale from those reserves totaled $500 million, and President Trump is scheduled to meet Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado.

Domestic Policy: The Great Healthcare Plan

Earlier Thursday, the White House unveiled The Great Healthcare Plan, a proposal aimed at lowering costs as premiums rise after Affordable Care Act subsidies expired last year. The briefing may include outline details of the plan and how the administration intends to address surging insurance costs.

Live Stream: A live video stream of the briefing will be available above the article. The event is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. EST.

The briefing is expected to touch on developments in Iran and Venezuela and provide further information about the new health proposal. Reporters will likely press for specifics on any U.S. assistance to Iranian protesters, details on the Venezuela oil sales, and how the new health plan will affect consumers.