Trump Keeps Iran Strike Decision Under Wraps Amid Rising Tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump remained noncommittal on whether the United States would join Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Iran’s nuclear facilities. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “I may do it, I may not do it,” leaving the international community uncertain about U.S. intentions in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict.
The president’s remarks came as Israel intensified its airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting Iran to request negotiations. Trump noted that Iranian officials had reached out to discuss a potential meeting at the White House but added that it was “very late to be talking.” He emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a priority, stating, “Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, that’s it.”
Trump’s comments followed a meeting with his national security team in the White House Situation Room, where discussions reportedly focused on the possibility of U.S. military involvement, including joint strikes with Israel on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The president also referenced a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he encouraged Israel to continue its operations.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, rejected Trump’s earlier demand for “unconditional surrender,” warning that U.S. intervention would lead to “irreparable damage” for American forces. The conflict, now in its sixth day, has seen significant casualties, with Iran’s Health Ministry reporting over 200 deaths, mostly civilians, and Israel confirming 24 civilian fatalities.
Israel’s campaign has targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities, including centrifuge production sites, as confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency noted damage to Iran’s Natanz facility but reported no significant impact on the heavily fortified Fordow site. Global oil markets remain on edge due to strikes on critical energy infrastructure, such as the South Pars gas field shared by Iran and Qatar.
As the situation unfolds, Trump indicated that the coming week could be pivotal, stating, “The next week is going to be very big maybe less than a week.” However, he refrained from providing a clear timeline or decision on U.S. military action, maintaining ambiguity about America’s next steps in the volatile region.