Former US President Donald Trump has left the world guessing about a potential American military strike on Iran, saying, “I may do it, I may not do it.” His remarks come as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, pushing the region closer to a wider war.
Trump: Iran Wants Talks, But It May Be Too Late
Speaking from the White House, Trump claimed that Iranian officials had reached out, seeking negotiations amid the rising tensions. However, he said the request might be “too late,” emphasizing that the US could “take out all nuclear sites” in Iran if needed.
“Iran wants to negotiate now, but we’ll see. It’s late,” Trump stated, calling for “unconditional surrender.”
The Iranian government, however, denied seeking talks or sending any delegation to the US or Oman.
Khamenei Says Iran Will Not Surrender
In a televised speech, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected any form of surrender, saying Iran will resist both war and forced peace. He warned that any direct US military involvement would result in “irreparable consequences.”
“This nation does not bow to threats,” Khamenei said, as missiles rained down from both sides.
Deadly Attacks and Hypersonic Missiles
The conflict has seen:
- Over 400 Iranian missiles and hundreds of drones fired at Israel
- Israel responding with massive airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities
- Use of Fattah-1 hypersonic missiles by Iran, which are faster and harder to intercept
Israel claimed to have hit facilities producing centrifuge components in Tehran and Karaj, damaging Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
US Military Moves: Ready But Not Involved (Yet)
While the US has not launched a direct strike, it has:
- Deployed fighter jets (F-16, F-22, F-35) to the Middle East
- Sent B-52H “bunker-buster” bombers to Diego Garcia, targeting deep nuclear sites
- Extended air defense coverage for Israel
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, “If the President orders, we are fully prepared.”
Civilian Casualties Soar
- In Iran: Nearly 600 people killed, over 1,300 injured, including civilians and security forces
- In Israel: 24 deaths, 800+ injuries, 3,800+ evacuations
Over 19,000 buildings damaged in Israel from Iranian attacks, while Tel Aviv residents are sheltering underground.
Mass Evacuations and Global Concern
Countries including China, Japan, the UK, Russia, Greece, and Pakistan are evacuating their nationals from both Iran and Israel. Fuel restrictions have been imposed in Iran, and Israel’s airspace remains closed.
France Calls for Urgent Peace Plan
President Emmanuel Macron urged both sides to stop attacks, especially those not linked to nuclear or military targets. France is working with European partners on a peace initiative to avoid further civilian harm.
US Divided Over War Involvement
A YouGov-Economist poll revealed:
- 60% of Americans oppose direct US military involvement
- Only 16% support intervention
US lawmakers have introduced a War Powers Resolution to prevent Trump from entering the conflict without Congressional approval.
Nuclear Fears Grow
The UN’s nuclear watchdog (IAEA) confirmed Israeli strikes damaged nuclear research sites in Tehran and Karaj. Israel says Iran is close to developing a nuclear weapon, which Iran denies, insisting its program is for civilian energy.
Israel says more strikes are coming, and experts believe the US may be needed to hit Iran’s deep underground site in Fordow.
Cyberattacks and Espionage Tensions
- Iran’s Sepah Bank was hit by a cyberattack
- Five suspected Mossad agents arrested in Iran
- Israel claims to have struck a Mossad facility in Tel Aviv
Iran also warned the public to delete WhatsApp, calling it a tool of “the Zionist enemy.”
Conclusion: Will the US Join the War?
While Trump’s statements are unclear, the military is ready, and global pressure is building. Iran vows no surrender, Israel promises more strikes, and the world watches a dangerous conflict unfold with nuclear, economic, and humanitarian consequences.
