The US is on the brink of a potential conflict with Iran, with President Donald Trump set to decide within the next two weeks whether to join Israel’s military actions against Tehran. According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump will make his decision based on potential upcoming negotiations with Iran, stating, “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”
A top newsman Marwan Bishara believes Trump’s two-week deadline could be a strategic ploy, suggesting, “He could actually use that as a pretext in order to camouflage whatever his intentions are and attack tomorrow.” Bishara also thinks Trump might be pausing his decision to allow talks between Iranian and European officials to take place, potentially giving Europeans time to “save face”.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Katz has made it clear that “eliminating” Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is one of Israel’s war goals. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that regime change in Iran is “first and foremost a matter for the Iranian people,” adding it’s “not a stated or formal goal that we have”.
The conflict has already taken a toll on civilians, with Iranian American analyst Negar Mortazavi condemning Israeli attacks on Iran, saying, “This is a war on the Iranian people as much as it is on the regime… Civilians are being killed in big numbers.” Iran’s air defenses have been activated in the capital, Tehran, with “successful” operations reportedly continuing in the center, east, and west of the city.
Iraq’s Kataib Hezbollah has warned the US of severe consequences if it joins Israel’s assault, stating, “There is no doubt that US bases in the region will resemble fields for hunting ducks, the straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb will be closed and the oil ports in the Red Sea will stop.” The group emphasized the potential for significant disruption to global shipping and oil supplies.
The US government maintains that Iran is closer than ever to obtaining a nuclear weapon, with the White House spokesperson saying, “It’s a fact that Iran has never been closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon.” The US is “monitoring and watching” developments in the conflict, with Trump remaining in constant communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Despite the escalating tensions, Trump has expressed a desire for diplomacy, stating he wants to “pursue diplomacy, but… the president is unafraid to use strength if necessary”. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation and unpredictable outcomes.