Escalating Tensions: Israel-Iran Conflict Draws in US

The US may be headed into another Middle East war under President Donald Trump's leadership, potentially sparked by Israel's calls to strike Iran's nuclear program. Trump has been warming up to the idea of using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear sites, despite his previous unsuccessful attempts to settle the issue through talks. However, there is a lack of public discussion about the potential consequences and exit strategy, echoing the US' past misadventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. Experts warn that a US strike could lead to a cycle of escalation, with Iran potentially responding by attacking US personnel, shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, or launching cyber-attacks. A potential regime change or collapse of Iran's government could also lead to immense upheaval, anarchy, and regional instability, with far-reaching consequences for the Middle East and beyond.

Russia is concerned about the escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel, fearing it could lose another key ally in the Middle East. Despite a strategic partnership with Iran, Russia is not obligated to provide military aid, and its inability to prevent Israel's military operation has highlighted its limited influence. The conflict could also divert global attention away from Russia's war in Ukraine, but a prolonged conflict could have negative consequences for Russia's interests. Russia's President Vladimir Putin is expected to address the issue at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

Israel has not yet attacked Iran's Fordo nuclear facility, a deeply buried site considered a major concern by international monitors and experts due to its potential for clandestine nuclear weapons development. Fordo is believed to be where Iran may be concealing efforts to build nuclear weapons, with its underground location and significant air defenses making it a likely site for a "breakout" program. Experts have long been concerned about Fordo's size, location, and technical capacity, which suggest it is intended for military purposes. The facility has been expanding, and in 2023, the IAEA found uranium particles enriched to nearly 84% purity, close to the 90% required for a nuclear weapon. Israel has already attacked Iran's Natanz nuclear facility and claims to have intelligence indicating Iran is "racing towards a nuclear bomb."

President Trump attended the G7 summit in Canada, where he discussed trade tensions and the Israel-Iran conflict with world leaders. Trump stated that Iran wants to de-escalate the conflict and is willing to talk, but said they "should have done that before" and now "have to make a deal." The US and its allies are at odds over tariffs imposed by Trump, and the president's comments on Putin and suggestion that China could join the G7 group strained relationships with some US allies. The summit continued into its second day, with leaders holding bilateral meetings and discussing trade and other issues.

President Trump cut short his trip to Canada for the G7 summit and returned to Washington due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly between Israel and Iran. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt cited "what's going on in the Middle East" as the reason for the president's early departure. Trump had met with Canadian and UK leaders earlier in the day and had discussed the Israel-Iran conflict with them. The situation in the Middle East has been intense, with Israel carrying out airstrikes on Iran and Iran retaliating with missile and drone strikes on Israel. Trump has urged Iran to sign a deal to limit its nuclear program, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been skeptical of such a deal.

President Trump stated that he wants a "real end" to Iran's nuclear program, with Tehran "giving up entirely" its enrichment activities. He cut short his time at the G7 summit in Canada, saying he could be "more well versed" in the White House Situation Room. Trump claimed the US has "complete and total control of the skies over Iran" and praised the US military, saying "nobody does it better than the good ol' USA." He predicted Israel wouldn't slow its assault on Iran and warned Tehran's 10 million inhabitants to "immediately evacuate." Iran had indicated to negotiators it was prepared to discuss a new deal on its nuclear program, but not while under Israeli attack. Trump said he was "not too much in the mood to negotiate" and hoped Iran's nuclear program would be "wiped out long before" US involvement. Vice President JD Vance said Trump has "shown remarkable restraint" but "may decide he needs to take further action." Trump also claimed Iran was "very close" to obtaining a nuclear weapon, contradicting a recent US intelligence assessment. Israel has expanded its aerial assault on Iran, targeting nuclear and military facilities, senior military leaders, and regime-controlled media.

President Trump is considering joining Israel in airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the heavily fortified Fordo site, according to sources familiar with the matter. Trump's national security team is divided on the issue, and a meeting was held to discuss the matter. Israel has already launched strikes on Iran, claiming it is making progress towards building nuclear weapons, although a US intelligence assessment earlier this year said Iran is not currently building nuclear weapons. Trump's administration has publicly stated that the US is not involved in Israel's offensive, but Trump has made posts on social media suggesting the US has capabilities in the region and is considering further action.

President Trump claimed the US has "complete and total control of the skies over Iran" in a social media post, contradicting earlier US statements that Israel's offensive against Iran was being carried out without US involvement. Trump is considering joining Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and met with his national security team to discuss the conflict. The White House has not clarified Trump's statement, and there is disagreement among his advisers. Trump also made menacing comments about Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the US knows his whereabouts but won't kill him "at least not for now." The US Embassy in Jerusalem is closed due to the security situation, and the State Department is advising against travel to Israel.

US President Donald Trump's social media posts dashed hopes of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, escalating conflict concerns and causing US stocks to retreat. Trump threatened Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying he is an "easy target" and demanding "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" Oil prices rose over 4% as a result. A US military strike against Iran is among the options Trump is considering. The US Senate passed a landmark crypto bill, the GENIUS Act, establishing federal guardrails for US dollar-pegged stablecoins. CEOs of major oil companies warned that further attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure could strain global oil supplies. The Federal Reserve is set to conclude its rate-setting meeting, with markets expecting no immediate rate change but watching for future projections.

Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told CNN's Bianna Golodryga that it's up to the "free world" to eliminate Iran's nuclear program. The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with both countries trading strikes, and the US potentially getting involved. Israeli strikes have hit Iran's capital, Tehran, and other areas, while Iran has launched missiles at Israel, causing damage and civilian casualties. The international community is on high alert, with the US president debating whether to intervene, and other countries such as Pakistan evacuating their citizens from the region.

CNN reported on the damage caused by Iran's latest ballistic missile strike on Tel Aviv, Israel, with correspondent Nic Robertson visiting a large crater in the center of the city where nearby residents were forced to evacuate. The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, with both countries trading strikes for several days, resulting in significant damage and civilian casualties. The US is potentially getting involved, with President Donald Trump open to assisting Israel. The conflict has also led to the displacement of people, including Pakistani students who left their studies in Tehran. Israel has targeted Iranian military and nuclear sites, including a strike on Iran's state television studio complex. The situation remains volatile, with both sides continuing to launch missile strikes against each other.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with CNN's Wolf Blitzer about Israel's recent strike on Iran, where the IDF claimed to have destroyed over 120 Iranian missile launchers, approximately a third of Iran's total. The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with both countries trading strikes. The US may potentially get involved in the conflict, with former President Donald Trump expressing openness to assisting Israel. The situation remains volatile, with civilians on both sides facing significant risks and anxieties.

Iranians are fleeing Tehran as Israel continues its airstrikes on the city. The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, with both countries trading unprecedented air and missile strikes. Israel launched a sweeping air offensive on Iran, claiming it is an effort to stop Iran from building an atomic weapon. The situation is becoming increasingly dire for civilians, with many fleeing the city and some areas being severely damaged. The US is potentially getting involved in the conflict, with President Donald Trump open to assisting Israel. The conflict has now entered its fifth day, with both sides continuing to exchange strikes.

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues for the sixth day, with Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issuing a warning to Israel. US President Donald Trump has demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" and is considering using US military assets to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Israel launched a wave of strikes on Iranian centrifuge and missile production sites, including a centrifuge production facility in Tehran. The US is weighing its options, with two aircraft carrier strike groups available for contingencies in the Middle East. The conflict has sparked a potential diplomatic opportunity for Russia, which has issued strongly worded statements but has not offered military support to Iran. The US and Israel have differing views on Iran's nuclear program, with the US intelligence community assessing that Iran's nuclear weapons program remains suspended.

Former US President Donald Trump is open to assisting Israel in its conflict with Iran, according to CNN. Trump made these comments during an interaction with CNN's Kaitlan Collins. The conflict between Israel and Iran has been escalating, with both countries trading strikes for several days and civilians facing numerous attacks. Trump's stance comes as the White House debates whether to intervene in the conflict. Trump also disputed his own director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, on the status of Iran's nuclear capabilities, stating that Iran was near obtaining a nuclear weapon when Israel launched its recent strikes.

The Fordow nuclear plant is a key site in Iran's nuclear program, located in a mountain lair with hundreds of centrifuges hidden 90 meters underground, enriching uranium to 60%. The site is a target for Israel, and CNN's Nick Paton Walsh explains what is known about it. The conflict between Israel and Iran is escalating, with both countries trading strikes, and the US may get involved. Israel has struck Iranian military and nuclear targets, including the capital city of Tehran, while Iran has launched missiles at Israeli cities, causing damage and casualties.

The US could potentially get involved in the conflict between Israel and Iran as the two countries continue to trade strikes, with civilians in flashpoint areas facing waves of attacks, according to CNN's Nick Paton Walsh. The US has military assets available for use in the Middle East, and the conflict is escalating for a sixth day.

The USS Nimitz carrier strike group is being redirected to the Middle East ahead of schedule amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The Nimitz was initially en route to replace the USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group but will now join it in the region. The US has been shifting military resources to the Middle East, including ships and troops, in response to Israel's preemptive attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities and leadership, and Iran's retaliatory strikes. The US has also assisted Israel in shooting down ballistic missiles and has increased its military presence in the region, with around 40,000 troops currently deployed.

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the US knows where Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei is "hiding" and is an "easy target" but won't be killed "at least not for now", applying intense pressure on Iran. Trump's words are designed to stoke tension and confuse, as part of his maximum pressure diplomacy, with reports suggesting he is weighing options to drop bunker-busting bombs on Iran's nuclear facilities, while also hinting at a possible meeting between his envoy and Iran's foreign minister.

US oil prices rose over 4% to around $75 a barrel on fears of increased US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict after President Trump called for Iran's "surrender" and held a national security meeting. Prices had been kept in check as global energy flows remained largely unaffected, but Trump's statements and potential for further escalation drove prices up, with analysts warning that a US or Israeli strike on Iranian infrastructure could lead to a significant jump.

Fears are growing that the US may be drawn into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran under President Donald Trump's leadership. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has intensified his demands for Iranian capitulation, including dismantling its nuclear programme, scrapping its ballistic missile arsenal, and abandoning regional allies. Experts warn that Netanyahu's rhetoric, including a call to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader, signals an ambition for regime change in Tehran, which Israel cannot achieve alone without US support.

China is willing to play a constructive role in brokering a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, with President Xi Jinping calling for de-escalation and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaking to his Iranian and Israeli counterparts. However, analysts warn that there may be limits to what China can achieve, despite its close ties with Iran through the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which has condemned Israel's strikes and called for a peaceful settlement.

US President Donald Trump contradicted his own intelligence director, Tulsi Gabbard, by stating that Iran is "very close" to having a nuclear bomb, despite Gabbard's testimony to Congress that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon. Trump's remarks align with those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who views a nuclear-armed Iran as an imminent threat.

A security expert praised Israel's defensive capabilities for preventing "far greater destruction" amid escalating Iranian missile strikes, with estimates suggesting that Israel intercepted around 95% of the ballistic missiles launched towards its territory. Israel's multi-layered defense system, including Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow 2 and 3, and the C-dome, has been effective in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones. The US has also deployed its Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel to aid in its defense. As of Tuesday, 24 Israelis have been killed and over 500 injured in the Iranian attacks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out assassinating Iran's 86-year-old supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and has urged Iranians to unite against their government. Israel has been conducting airstrikes against Iran, killing top generals and security advisers to Khamenei, including the commander-in-chief of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. Despite Netanyahu's efforts, experts say that killing Khamenei may not lead to regime change, as Iran has a system in place to replace its leaders. The Assembly of Experts, a top-level religious body, is responsible for electing Iran's supreme leader. Even if the regime were to collapse, it's unclear whether a new government would be friendlier to Israel or the US, and could potentially lead to authoritarian or extremist rule. Experts also note that internal tensions, rather than external pressure, are more likely to threaten Iran's regime, and that Netanyahu's calls for Iranians to rise up against their government are unlikely to be effective.

A top security expert, Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated that destroying Iran's Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, the country's deepest and most dangerous nuclear facility, "is a job only the U.S. can do" due to its depth of up to 300 feet underground, requiring a 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bomb and stealth delivery platforms like the B-2 Spirit bomber, capabilities that Israel currently lacks.

Israel's Ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, stated that the recent explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria will "seem simple" compared to Israel's future actions against Iran. Leiter said Israel has "pulled off a number of surprises" and is working to neutralize the threat posed by Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. He clarified that Israel is "not in the business of regime change" but is focused on dismantling Iran's military capabilities, having already demolished between a third and a half of Iran's surface-to-surface missile systems.

Israel activated its new "Barak Magen" aerial defense system for the first time, intercepting and destroying multiple Iranian drones launched towards it. The system was deployed by the Israeli Navy from a Sa'ar 6 missile ship, using its long-range air defense (LRAD) interceptor to intercept eight Iranian drones. The "Barak Magen" system can intercept a wide range of threats, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), cruise missiles, and shore-to-sea missiles, providing force protection for the Israeli fleet and long-distance protection for Israel's infrastructure and population centers. Since the conflict with Iran escalated, the Israeli Navy's missile ship flotilla has intercepted around 25 UAVs that posed a threat to Israel.

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killing at least 10 people and wounding over 100 others. The attack, which lasted over 9 hours, destroyed dozens of flats in an apartment block and hit 27 locations in the city. Ukrainian officials said Russia fired 440 drones and 32 missiles, with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling it "one of the most terrifying strikes". A 62-year-old US citizen was among those killed, and rescue work continued as concerns grew that the number of casualties could rise. Russia's defence ministry claimed it targeted Ukraine's military-industrial complexes, while Zelensky accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of carrying out "pure terrorism".

A Russian missile and drone attack on Ukraine killed 15 people, including an American citizen, and injured 156 others. The attack, which involved over 440 drones and 32 missiles, demolished a nine-story Kyiv apartment building, destroying dozens of apartments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the attack "one of the most horrific" and "pure terrorism." The assault came after failed peace talks and amid a Russian summer offensive on eastern and northeastern Ukraine. The Ukrainian foreign ministry urged its citizens to leave Israel and Iran due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, while Zelenskyy pressed for more Western support to counter Russia's intensified aerial attacks.

Russian missile and drone attacks on Kyiv have killed 14 people, including a 62-year-old US citizen, and wounded at least 139 others. The attacks, which occurred overnight, damaged a residential building and destroyed dozens of apartments. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the attack as "one of the most terrifying attacks on Kyiv" and said Russian forces fired 440 drones and 32 missiles. The attack is one of the largest on the capital since Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022. Ukraine's interior minister said 27 locations across Kyiv were hit, including educational institutions and critical infrastructure. The incident occurred as Zelenskyy was set to attend the G7 summit in Canada, where he was due to hold talks with Donald Trump.