In a situation fraught with escalating tensions, President Donald Trump on Wednesday was reticent to confirm whether the United States is on the brink of striking Iranian nuclear facilities. This uncertainty follows a stern warning from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who cautioned against potential U.S. military action and dismissed Trump’s demand for Iran to surrender.
When pressed by a reporter at the White House about the possibility of an attack on Iran, Trump replied, “You don’t seriously think I’m going to answer that question. I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
Meanwhile, in an interview with NPR, Israel’s President Isaac Herzog called for international cooperation to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Referring specifically to Iran’s primary sites at Fordow and Natanz, Herzog expressed hope for global support, stating, “Obviously we would welcome anything that helps eradicate the Iranian nuclear program completely, including the main two sites.” He noted the challenges faced as Israel undertakes the effort largely on its own.
During a subsequent meeting with reporters, Trump indicated that he had yet to make a decision regarding any military actions directed at Iran’s Fordow nuclear site. He noted the U.S. possesses the necessary capabilities for such a strike but emphasized, “that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it.” The president mentioned he would be gathering with his national security team in the Situation Room — referred to as the ‘war room’ — to discuss the ongoing crisis.
Trump asserted his longstanding position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, reiterating, “I have been saying for 20 years, maybe longer, that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I think they were a few weeks away from having one.”
As tensions mount, several lawmakers, particularly on the Democratic side, have voiced concerns over the prospect of military engagement with Iran. Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia remarked on NPR’s Here & Now, “A third war in the Middle East in this century would be a horrible, horrible mistake, and it’s going to put U.S. service members at risk and also risk destabilizing the region.”
In a legislative effort, Kaine recently introduced a war powers resolution that would mandate Trump to seek congressional approval prior to any military action against Iran.
The situation grew more serious when Khamenei delivered a nationally broadcast address, affirming the resilience of the Iranian nation against foreign threats. He stated, “The Americans must understand — any U.S. military incursion will undoubtedly lead to irreversible consequences.”
This exchange of hostile rhetoric comes on the backdrop of nearly a week of conflict between Israel and Iran, with increasing signals from U.S. and Israeli officials that military action could be imminent. Earlier, Trump took to social media to demand Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,” boasting about U.S. control over Iranian airspace, which has raised questions regarding deeper U.S. involvement in the region.
The Iranian regime firmly rejected Trump’s demand, with Khamenei insisting, “This is a nation that will never surrender to any form of imposition.”
In his most recent statements, Trump also seemed to issue a direct threat to Khamenei, stating, “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there. We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
Trump’s discussions on Iran have coincided with meetings with his national security team, particularly after he returned early from the G7 summit in Canada to address the nuclear threat posed by Iran.
Sources privy to ongoing developments indicated that Israel is under the impression that the U.S. will ultimately join in efforts to counter Iran militarily, and is awaiting a formal decision from Washington to that effect.
Despite the rising tensions, there is little indication that diplomatic negotiations are moving forward. Trump relayed to reporters that Iranian officials had reached out for potential discussions, saying, “They even suggested they come to the White House. I said, ‘It’s very late.'”
However, the Iranian mission to the United Nations quickly refuted Trump’s claims, asserting, “The only thing more despicable than his lies is his cowardly threat to ‘take out’ Iran’s Supreme Leader. Iran does NOT negotiate under duress.”
The recent violence began when Israel launched a surprise offensive against Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure, asserting that such actions are necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, which Israel views as an existential threat.
The Iranian government maintains that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes. Reports indicate that the Israeli strikes have resulted in significant casualties, with the Iranian Health Ministry confirming over 200 deaths, while independent reports suggest the death toll may be as high as 585.
In retaliation, Iranian forces have discharged approximately 400 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones targeting Israel, leading to Israeli military responses. Although many attacks have reportedly been intercepted, the strikes that succeeded have resulted in at least 24 Israeli fatalities and hundreds of injuries.
In the latest assessments, the International Atomic Energy Agency reported strikes on two centrifuge production facilities within Iran, occurring just hours after Israeli military announcements concerning their operations. Since centrifuges are essential for uranium enrichment — a critical component in the pursuit of nuclear weapons — the implications of these attacks are grave.
The head of the nuclear agency indicated that it is likely extensive damage has occurred to centrifuges at Natanz, one of Iran’s largest nuclear sites. Meanwhile, it has been noted that the Fordo enrichment plant appeared to remain relatively unharmed following recent strikes.
Amidst these developments, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced it would remain closed through Friday, citing security concerns, with some staff and family members reportedly beginning to leave Israel. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee confirmed that the embassy is organizing evacuation plans for American citizens wishing to depart.
The ongoing international crisis has resulted in significant disruptions, particularly affecting travelers. With Israeli airspace closed to commercial flights, tens of thousands are stranded, both foreign nationals attempting to leave and Israeli citizens struggling to return home.
Some foreign nationals have managed to leave Israel through overland routes via Jordan and Egypt, while others have been evacuated by sea. Israeli airlines have been granted permission to conduct emergency flights to repatriate citizens from locations such as Cyprus, France, Greece, and Italy.
As the situation continues to evolve, the region remains on edge, with both the U.S. and Iran featuring prominently in a tense geopolitical landscape.
image source from：npr
