Trump Faces Diplomatic Challenge as Israel Gains Ground in Iran Conflict
US President Donald Trump expressed reluctance to urge Israel to halt its airstrikes on Iran, citing Israel’s military successes, during remarks to reporters in New Jersey on June 20, 2025. Speaking ahead of a fundraiser at his golf course, Trump noted the difficulty of intervening when one side appears to be prevailing. “It’s very hard to make that request right now if somebody is winning,” he told, adding that it’s tougher to ask for a pause when Israel is performing strongly compared to Iran. Despite this, Trump emphasized ongoing US efforts to pursue a diplomatic resolution, stating, “We’re ready, willing, and able,” and confirming discussions with Iranian officials.
The conflict, which escalated on June 13, 2025, has seen Israel launch extensive airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities, including missile production sites and radar installations. Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities, such as Haifa and Tel Aviv. According to the sources, the violence has claimed at least 224 lives in Iran and 24 in Israel, with 592 injuries reported in Israel. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) assert they have achieved air superiority over Tehran and intercepted over 100 Iranian drones.
ALSO READ : Russia Urges U.S. to Avoid Military Role in Israel-Iran Conflict
Trump’s comments followed a European diplomatic initiative in Geneva, where British, French, and German foreign ministers met with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on June 20, 2025. The talks, aimed at preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear program, yielded no significant progress, as reported by ABC News. Trump dismissed the European effort, “Iran didn’t want to speak to Europe, they want to speak to us,” suggesting Iran prefers direct negotiations with the US. He also indicated limited influence over Israel’s actions, noting, “Israel’s doing well in terms of war, and I think you would have to say Iran is doing less well.”
The White House has given Trump a two-week window to decide on potential US military involvement. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, warned Al Jazeera English that US intervention could lead to “an all-out war in the region,” while expressing openness to diplomacy. Iranian state media reported that Khamenei has called for national unity in response to the Israeli attacks, which have disrupted internet services and prompted protests across Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, with crowds chanting against Israel and the US.
As the conflict enters its ninth day, both sides show no signs of de-escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, while Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected Trump’s earlier demand for “unconditional surrender. The international community remains on edge as diplomatic efforts falter and the risk of a broader regional conflict looms.