Israel-Iran Conflict Intensifies with Airstrikes and Missile Attacks

Israel and Iran are engaged in an escalating conflict, with Iran launching a new wave of ballistic missile strikes against Israel, hitting a major hospital in southern Israel and causing "extensive damage." Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has instructed the Israeli military to "intensify strikes against strategic targets" in Iran. The US is weighing its options, with President Donald Trump indicating he has not yet made a final decision on whether to get involved. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that any US military intervention would result in "irreparable damage." At least 65 people were wounded in Iran's latest wave of strikes, with three in serious condition. Israel's President Isaac Herzog condemned the Iranian missile strikes, saying they targeted civilians.

Israel and Iran have been exchanging strikes since Friday, with Israel launching Operation Rising Lion against Iran's nuclear sites, and Iran retaliating with aerial attacks targeting Israel. Over 220 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, while Israel reports 24 deaths from Iranian attacks. The conflict escalated after Israel targeted the Natanz nuclear facility, causing significant damage, and Iran launched ballistic missile attacks on Israeli military centers and air bases. US President Donald Trump is considering joining Israel's campaign to target Iranian nuclear sites, with the US having a "bunker buster" bomb capable of damaging Iran's underground nuclear facilities. The conflict began as US talks over Iran's nuclear programme stalled, with Iran insisting its programme is peaceful, while Israel and many countries are skeptical.

US President Donald Trump has approved plans to attack Iran but has not made a final decision, according to reports. Trump is considering a strike on Iran's underground uranium enrichment facility at Fordo. The decision comes after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei rejected Trump's demand for unconditional surrender. The US has built up its military presence in the region, with a carrier strike group led by the USS Nimitz joining another group in the Gulf. Israel has launched attacks on Iran, hitting missile sites and nuclear facilities, and Iran has retaliated by firing hypersonic missiles. The US has not made a formal request to use UK military bases for potential strikes on Iran.

Israel has not yet hit Iran's Fordo nuclear facility, a site of significant concern to international monitors and experts due to its deep burial in a mountain and suspected clandestine nuclear weapons development. The facility is believed to be where Iran has concealed efforts to work toward a nuclear weapons capability, with many analysts suspecting it is being used to preserve centrifuges in case of an attack on other facilities. Despite Israel's recent attack on Iran's Natanz nuclear facility, Fordo remains untouched. Israel has claimed that Iran is "racing towards a nuclear bomb," contradicting US intelligence assessments that Iran is not currently building a nuclear weapon. Experts have long considered Fordo a major concern due to its location, size, and technical capacity, and the lack of transparency around its activities has raised suspicions about Iran's nuclear intentions.

An Iranian missile hit Soroka Hospital in southern Israel, wounding around 65 people and causing extensive damage. Israel retaliated by carrying out airstrikes on Iran's Arak heavy water reactor, part of its ongoing campaign to destroy Tehran's nuclear program. The hospital has over 1,000 beds and serves approximately 1 million residents. Israeli officials said the part of the hospital hit had been evacuated before the strike, and many lives were saved due to emergency preparations. Iran fired a new salvo of missiles at Israel after the airstrikes. The conflict has resulted in at least 639 deaths in Iran and 24 in Israel, with hundreds wounded on both sides.

President Trump stated that he has not yet decided whether the US will join Israel's ongoing attacks on Iran, warning that it is "very late to be talking" about reaching a deal with Iran on its nuclear program. Iran has warned that US intervention would risk "all-out war," with Iranian officials stating that they would respond strongly to any US action. The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, with Israel carrying out airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and Iran retaliating with missile launches. The US has not confirmed whether it will join the conflict, with Trump saying "I may do it, I may not do it. Nobody knows what I'm going to do." The situation remains tense, with the Iranian mission to the UN denying that Iranian officials have sought talks with the US and condemning Trump's "cowardly threat" to take out Iran's Supreme Leader.

President Trump is considering joining Israel in a multi-day effort to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, including the Fordo uranium enrichment site, according to multiple sources. There is disagreement among Trump's advisers on how to proceed, and the issue was to be discussed in a White House Situation Room meeting. Trump has made posts on Truth Social suggesting the US has "complete and total control of the skies over Iran" and knows the whereabouts of Iran's supreme leader, but has not ruled out or confirmed US involvement in the conflict.

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 actions against Iran were unilateral. The White House has not clarified Trump's statement. Trump has been considering joining Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and his national security team discussed the conflict at a White House meeting. Trump also made menacing comments about Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stating the US knows his whereabouts but won't kill him "at least not for now." The US has been helping Israel fend off Iranian counterstrikes, and Vice President JD Vance suggested the president may take further action to stop Iran's uranium enrichment. The US Embassy in Jerusalem was closed due to the security situation, and the State Department advised against traveling to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out assassinating Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the Iranian regime an "existential" threat to Israel. Netanyahu has urged the Iranian people to rise up against their government, saying Israel's fight is against the regime, not the people. Israel has already killed several top Iranian generals and security advisers close to Khamenei, including the commander-in-chief of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards. However, experts say that even if Israel were to kill Khamenei, Iran's clerical regime has a process in place to maintain stability, with the Assembly of Experts, a group of 88 senior Islamic clerics, responsible for electing a new supreme leader. The aftermath of such an event is uncertain, with possibilities ranging from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps taking over to a more authoritarian or Western-friendly government. Some experts also warn that a regime change may not necessarily lead to a more democratic or Israel-friendly government, citing the lessons of the Arab Spring.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog stated that his country is not pursuing regime change in Iran, but rather aims to eliminate Iran's nuclear program. He accused Iran of "cheating" and "rushing to the bomb" and claimed that Israel's strikes on Iran have had a significant impact on its nuclear capabilities. Herzog's comments come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with the two countries trading strikes after Israel launched airstrikes on June 13 targeting locations related to Iran's nuclear program.

Israel launched a war on Iran on June 13th, 2025, based on intelligence claiming Iran had reached a "point of no return" in its nuclear quest. The Economist obtained insights into Israel's secret dossier from an authoritative source, revealing details on enriched uranium and Iran's accelerated nuclear program. The claims are disputed among Western intelligence services, with some being cautious about the Iranian threat's imminence, and there are signs of divisions within the US administration under President Donald Trump.

Israel is in its fifth day of war with Iran, having made significant military gains, including destroying over a third of Iran's ballistic missile launchers and the headquarters of the Quds Force. Iran's air defenses are severely weakened, and Israeli aircraft are conducting daylight raids over Tehran. While Iran continues to fire ballistic missiles at Israel, the attacks are decreasing in intensity, and Israel remains on track to potentially thwart Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The article discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, with a focus on the potential consequences of the war, including a possible refugee crisis and the involvement of other countries in the region. The US President is under pressure to take decisive action against Iran, with Israel having already launched strikes. The article also explores the internal situation in Iran, where people are fleeing big cities, and the regime is facing potential implosion. The conflict is seen as a test of staying power for both sides, with decades of preparation for an air and missile war.

A recent conflict between Iran and Israel has elicited a different response from the Arab world, with many seemingly relieved that the ballistic missiles fired by Iran were not targeted at them. In Lebanon, videos of the missiles have become a social media trend, with some people glad to see strikes on Israel, while others are simply relieved the projectiles were headed elsewhere. This reaction is novel in the Arab world, where regional wars typically involve Arab countries.

Donald Trump's administration is moving closer to launching military strikes against Iran, with the president warning that "our patience is wearing thin" and demanding "unconditional surrender" from the Iranian clerical regime. A US military build-up is underway, with the aircraft-carrier USS Nimitz heading to the Gulf and a "major flow" of US Air Force aerial tankers flying to the Middle East, positioning America to attack Iran within hours.

Iran's regime is facing increased pressure from Israel's military campaign, with President Donald Trump calling for Tehran to "immediately evacuate." Some Iranians have celebrated the assassination of their generals on social media, sparking hopes of an uprising or coup. However, Iran's history suggests it may defy its aggressors rather than capitulate, and an extended war with civilian casualties could rally nationalistic sentiment and allow the regime to survive.

A recent Israeli strike on Iran has killed at least 585 Iranians and sparked fear in Tehran, with Israel indicating it will continue aerial attacks for at least another week. The war has caused basic services in Iran to collapse, including banking, shopping, and healthcare, as nurses are leaving hospitals. Many people are fleeing big cities, but the borders are currently quiet; the situation remains uncertain and potentially volatile, with the risk of a full-scale regional conflict and the potential fall of Iran's clerical regime.

President Donald Trump is nearing a decision on whether to join Israel's strikes on Iran, including potentially using bunker-busting bombs to target nuclear facilities deep underground, while trying to avoid becoming embroiled in a full-scale war. Trump's top officials are discussing ways to strike Iran's nuclear targets without prolonging the conflict, and the president is weighing the risks and benefits of military action, including the possibility of Iran retaliating and blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Some of Trump's allies, including Ambassador David Friedman, argue that decisive strikes could end Iran's nuclear ambitions without leading to a broader conflict, while others, including Iran experts and some Senate Republicans, warn that US involvement could lead to a generational conflict and a heavy toll on American lives and resources. Trump's national security officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, are presenting options to the president and trying to get on the same page, with some US military leaders, including Gen. Michael Kurilla, pushing for more resources to defend and support Israel.

Former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told CNN that it's up to the "free world" to eliminate Iran's nuclear program, while the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate with both countries trading strikes, and the US is debating whether to intervene. The conflict has resulted in significant damage and civilian casualties in both countries, with Israel targeting Iranian military and nuclear sites, including a key nuclear facility in Fordow. US President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to assist Israel and disputed his own director of national intelligence on the development of Iran's nuclear capabilities.

CNN's Fred Pleitgen is the first western journalist to enter Iran since its conflict with Israel started, and he shares his first impressions from Tehran. The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, with both countries trading strikes, and the US potentially getting involved. Israeli strikes have hit Tehran, and Iran has launched missiles at Israel, causing damage and civilian casualties. The conflict has also led to the evacuation of Pakistani students from Tehran. US President Donald Trump has expressed openness to assisting Israel and has disputed his own intelligence chief's assessment of Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Emergency teams in Tel Aviv, Israel, are responding to damage caused by Iran's latest ballistic missile strike on the city. CNN's Nic Robertson reports from a large crater in the center where nearby residents have been forced to evacuate their homes. The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, with both countries trading strikes for a sixth day. The US is debating whether to intervene, with President Trump open to assisting Israel. The conflict has also led to the displacement of Pakistani students studying in Tehran and has affected civilians in flashpoint areas.

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to escalate as the IDF claims to have destroyed over 120 of Iran's missile launchers. Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke with CNN, addressing why Israel struck Iran now. Meanwhile, the US is debating whether to intervene in the conflict, with President Donald Trump open to assisting Israel. The conflict has resulted in significant damage and civilian casualties on both sides, with reports of Iranian strikes on Israeli cities like Haifa and Tel Aviv, and Israeli strikes on Iranian cities, including Tehran. The international community is watching closely, with leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron commenting on the situation.

Iran launched a missile strike on a commercial area near Tel Aviv, specifically in the Ramat Gan suburb, as part of an escalating conflict with Israel. The incident occurred nearly a week after Israel launched a series of attacks on Iran's nuclear sites and military leadership. The conflict between the two countries continues to intensify, with both sides trading strikes. The US is potentially getting involved, with President Donald Trump considering intervention, while civilians in affected areas face significant disruptions and dangers.

Iranians are fleeing Tehran due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes, with many residents recounting the damage and fear caused by the attacks. The conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated, with both countries trading unprecedented air and missile strikes since Israel launched a sweeping air offensive on Iran, claiming it aimed to stop Iran from building an atomic weapon. The situation has raised concerns about potential US involvement, with President Trump open to assisting Israel. The conflict has also affected civilians on both sides, with reports of damage and casualties in Israel and the displacement of Pakistani students studying in Tehran.

Jordan's military intercepted Iranian missiles in Jordanian airspace, with CNN's Anderson Cooper and Chuck Hadad capturing video of the incident while traveling into Israel to cover the conflict. The conflict between Israel and Iran has escalated, with both countries trading strikes for several days, resulting in damage and civilian casualties. The US is potentially considering intervention, with President Donald Trump debating whether to assist Israel. The situation remains volatile, with reports of Israeli strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, and Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Iranian filmmaker Pouria Nouri has sent exclusive video footage to CNN from inside Tehran, showing the chaos caused by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The US is debating whether to intervene in the conflict, with President Trump saying his decision will come down to the last second. The conflict has already led to a series of strikes between the two countries, with civilians facing waves of attacks.

Former US President Trump stated that he is open to assisting Israel in a potential conflict with Iran, saying the decision on whether to intervene will be made at the last second. Trump's comments came as the US White House debated intervening in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with the two countries trading strikes for a sixth day and civilians facing waves of attacks.

US President Trump stated that the decision on whether to intervene in the Israel-Iran conflict will be made at the last second, in an interview with CNN's Kaitlan Collins, as the two countries continue to trade strikes following Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear sites and military leadership.

The Fordow nuclear plant in Iran is a key target for Israel due to its significance in Iran's nuclear program. The site, located in a mountain, is believed to have hundreds of centrifuges hidden approximately 90 meters underground, enriching uranium to 60%. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh explains the importance of the Fordow plant and its potential implications in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The conflict has escalated with both countries trading strikes, and the US is being considered for potential involvement.

President Donald Trump declined to say whether he has decided on US military intervention in Iran amid escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, with the US providing defensive support to Israel since the back-and-forth missile attacks began last week.

As Israel's conflict with Iran escalated, tens of thousands of Israelis found themselves stranded abroad due to the country's airspace closure. In response, the Israeli government launched Operation "Safe Return" to bring its citizens home. Some Israelis, desperate to return, took unconventional routes, such as Yaakov Katz, who boarded a tugboat in Cyprus with eight others and traveled 17 hours to reach Israel. Others, like Shimi Grossman, planned to take taxis to Israel's southern border crossing in Taba, Egypt. The government announced plans to relocate domestic airlines abroad to facilitate the return of stranded citizens and potentially open a "maritime route" from Cyprus and Greece. Meanwhile, those still waiting abroad watched anxiously as the conflict unfolded in Israel, with some experiencing personal disruptions, such as Uzi Sofer, whose daughter postponed her wedding due to his delayed return.

The G7 summit in Canada ended without major agreements on key issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Iran conflict after US President Donald Trump departed early. Despite this, the G7 issued a statement on the Israel-Iran conflict, recognizing Israel's right to self-defense and calling Iran "the principal source of regional instability and terror." The statement also asserted that Iran "can never have a nuclear weapon" and urged a broader de-escalation of hostilities in the Middle East. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with world figures at the summit and pressed countries to urge Trump to use his influence to end the war with Russia.

Iran has warned of an "all-out war" if the US joins Israel's ongoing military campaign against it, with Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stating that "any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region." Israel has been striking Iranian targets, including nuclear and missile facilities, in response to Iran's missile attacks. Iran's ambassador to Geneva, Ali Bahreini, has rejected demands to give up its disputed nuclear program, saying it will continue to enrich uranium for "peaceful purposes." The US has been shifting assets to the Middle East, including warplanes, and President Donald Trump has hinted at greater American involvement, calling for Iran's "complete surrender."

Israel and Iran are engaged in a conflict, with Israel attacking Iran's Arak heavy water facility and Iran retaliating with missile strikes against several Israeli sites, including the Soroka medical centre in Beersheba, southern Israel, which suffered damage and possible injuries. The conflict marks its seventh day, with US President Donald Trump considering potential US involvement, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined to discuss potential Iranian leadership assassination. Iran's Foreign Minister has stated the country's commitment to diplomacy and self-defence.

Russia is growing increasingly uneasy about Donald Trump's comments suggesting US involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, fearing it could lose its close ally Iran. Moscow's ties with Tehran have deepened since the Ukraine invasion, and the two countries signed a strategic partnership pact earlier this year. Initially, Russia saw the conflict as an opportunity to gain leverage, offering to mediate between Tehran and Washington, but its efforts were rebuffed. With Trump's threats against Iran's supreme leader, Russia has switched to crisis mode, warning the US against joining Israel's military campaign, with senior officials describing the situation as "critical" and the world as being "millimetres away from catastrophe".

A former Mossad intelligence chief, Zohar Palti, claims Israel's air force took down Iran's air defenses in 36-48 hours, calling the speed "shocking" and "amazing". Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on June 13, targeting nuclear installations, and both countries have been exchanging missile strikes since. Palti believes Israel can call a ceasefire in 2-7 days with international support, and that Iran's Supreme Leader faces a decision between the regime's existence or giving up its nuclear ambitions.

The UK's Attorney General, Richard Hermer, has raised questions over the legality of Israel's actions in Iran, complicating the UK's potential involvement in the conflict. If Israel's actions are deemed unlawful, the UK's ability to defend Israel or support the US in any planned attacks on Iran would be restricted, unless UK personnel are targeted. The attorney general is likely considering whether Iran posed an "imminent" threat to Israel, a key factor in determining the legality of Israel's actions under international law. The UK's decision could also impact its relationship with the US, as the US may request to use UK military bases for potential strikes on Iran.

US President Donald Trump has stated that he "may or may not" strike Iran as Israel continues its air war against the country. Trump said "nobody knows" what he will do, adding that Iran "has got a lot of trouble" and wants to negotiate. The comments come as Israel continues to launch airstrikes against Iran, with hundreds reportedly killed since the conflict began. Iran has denied reaching out to Washington to negotiate, and its supreme leader has warned that any US military intervention will cause "irreparable damage" to US-Iranian relations.

Israeli strikes on Iran have targeted high-ranking military leaders, nuclear scientists, and key infrastructure, including military, nuclear, government, oil, and gas facilities. Those killed include Mohammad Hossein Bagheri, Iran's chief of staff, Hossein Salami, commander of the IRGC, and several top nuclear scientists. Israel's strategy appears to be to weaken Iran's nuclear capabilities and potentially trigger a regime change by targeting key personnel and infrastructure, including air defenses, to allow for future strikes with precision. The attacks have also targeted energy infrastructure to raise prices and spark social unrest. Iran has retaliated with sustained strikes against Israel since June 13. Israel's actions are seen as following a similar strategy to its previous attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, aiming to decapitate Iran's command structure. The US has been negotiating with Iran over a nuclear deal but is now considering a strike, with President Trump calling for Iran's "unconditional surrender".

Iran launched dozens of missiles at Israel, striking the Soroka Medical Center in Beer Sheba and other civilian areas, injuring at least 40 people and causing significant damage. The hospital, which has over 1,000 beds, was severely damaged and shut down to new patients. The attack was in retaliation to Israel's strike on Iran's Arak heavy water reactor. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to "exact the full price" from Iran, and Israel's defense minister instructed the IDF to increase attacks on strategic targets in Iran. The conflict has resulted in at least 24 deaths in Israel and 639 in Iran, with the US considering its level of involvement.

The US and Israel should prioritize stopping Iran's nuclear program over attempting regime change, a goal that is too risky and potentially destabilizing for the region. The experiences of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya have shown the dangers of ousting a regime without a clear plan for what comes next. Instead, the focus should be on disabling Iran's nuclear capabilities and missile systems, while leaving enough of a civic structure in place to allow for a new interim government to form. A swift and successful campaign is necessary to limit damage to the country and prevent a power vacuum that could be exploited by other nations.

The US should get involved in the Israel-Iran conflict to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, as a nuclear Iran would pose a threat to global peace and America's national security. Israel has already dealt significant blows to Iran's military and nuclear infrastructure, but the job is not yet done. The US should give Israel what it needs to succeed in destroying Iran's nuclear program, which would also send a message to Iran's allies, Russia and China, about America's commitment to deterrence. This would ultimately make the US safer and prevent the need for large-scale military involvement.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz warned of intensified strikes on "strategic targets" in Iran after Iranian missiles hit several locations in Israel, including the Soroka Medical Center, a major hospital in southern Israel. The hospital sustained significant damage but reported treating only a few patients with mild injuries, as the building hit had been largely evacuated. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed they targeted Israeli military facilities next to the hospital. Israel retaliated with strikes on Iranian targets, including a nuclear complex and an inactive reactor at Arak. The conflict escalates amid uncertainty over potential US involvement, with President Trump suggesting he might send American forces to join Israel's campaign against Iran's nuclear program. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned the US would face "irreparable" harm if it joined Israel's campaign. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with Iran expressing openness to negotiations with the US.

The US is on the brink of a potential conflict with Iran under President Trump, echoing concerns that preceded the 2003 Iraq War. Similarities between the two situations include disputed intelligence, neoconservative influence, and uncertainty about the consequences of military action. Trump is considering a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, with some allies arguing it could be a decisive blow, while others warn of a wider war and unintended consequences. Experts are divided, with some, like General David Petraeus, suggesting a clear ultimatum to Iran's supreme leader, while others, like Vali Nasr, fear a repeat of the Iraq War's miscalculations. Trump's decision-making process is also uncertain, with advisers like John Bolton pushing for action, but Trump's own thinking unclear. The situation is marked by anxiety and dread, as the nation waits for Trump's decision.

Iran and Israel exchanged air attacks after Iran's supreme leader rejected US calls for surrender. Israeli missiles struck a key Iranian nuclear site, including the Khondab nuclear reactor, while Iranian missiles hit an Israeli hospital and the Tel Aviv area. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue attacks until Iran's nuclear programme is destroyed, with Defence Minister Israel Katz instructing the military to intensify strikes on strategic targets in Tehran. The conflict has resulted in hundreds of deaths in Iran and at least two dozen civilian casualties in Israel.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth sidestepped questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding whether the US would join Israel against Iran, stating that the decision lies with President Donald Trump and his role is to provide the president with informed options. Hegseth declined to comment on whether the options included using "bunker buster" bombs requested by Israel to disrupt Iranian nuclear facilities.

Israel intensified its conflict with Iran after a key hospital, Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, was directly struck, prompting Defense Minister Israel Katz to order the military to target strategic sites in Tehran. The hospital reported "extensive damage" but no confirmed casualties. Iran claimed it was aiming at nearby military and intelligence targets. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to "exact the full price" for the strike. Trump delivered an ultimatum to dismantle its nuclear facilities, though he hasn't decided on US involvement. Russia's Putin is mediating, contacting both Trump and Netanyahu. Hezbollah remains on the sidelines, not wanting to draw its fragile nation into the war.

President Donald Trump is leaving everyone guessing, including possibly himself, on whether he will go to war with Iran. Trump's vague comments and ambiguous statements have created uncertainty among US allies, members of Congress, and the American public. The President's style is seen as glib and negligent by some, given the potential consequences of a US attack on Iran's nuclear sites. Trump's administration has not explained its sudden change in view on Iran's nuclear program, nor has it indicated whether it will seek Congressional authorization for military action. The President is weighing the implications of his decision, with daily Situation Room meetings with his top national security aides, and is reportedly looking for a way to strike Iran's nuclear targets without being drawn into a full-scale war. Trump's indecisiveness has worried Democrats, with some lawmakers expressing confusion and concern over the administration's plans and contingency planning.

Donald Trump is faced with difficult decisions regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, which he initially thought would be easy to resolve. The conflict, now in its fourth day, has prompted Trump to consider various options, including potentially convincing the two countries to increase trade to achieve peace.

The White House is defending President Donald Trump's consistent stance against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, releasing 30 clips showing his statements over the years. Trump has repeatedly stated that Iran cannot be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, including in October 2023, January 2024, June 2024, and May 2025. Vice President JD Vance also defended Trump's position, saying he has been "amazingly consistent" over 10 years in opposing Iran's nuclear ambitions. The White House is highlighting Trump's history of opposing Iran's nuclear program, including his 2018 withdrawal from the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

US President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the US knows the location of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and considers him an "easy target" but won't kill him "at least not for now." Trump's message is seen as part of his maximum pressure diplomacy, intended to stoke tension, confuse, and apply intense pressure on Iran. The post comes amid reports that Trump is considering using B-2 aircraft to drop bunker-busting bombs on Iran's underground nuclear facilities, while also possibly meeting with Iran's foreign minister. Trump's actions and words are characterized as a game of brinkmanship and bluff, with unpredictable consequences, including potential regime change, civil war, and a refugee crisis.

Iran's Fordow uranium enrichment plant is buried deep beneath a mountain and is out of reach of much of Israel's weaponry. The US has a "bunker buster" bomb, the GBU-57, that is believed to be powerful enough to penetrate the facility. The GBU-57 is a 30,000lb bomb that can penetrate about 200ft below the surface before exploding and can only be delivered from a US B-2 stealth bomber. Israel has made clear its desire to destroy Iran's nuclear programme, but it does not have the GBU-57. Israel has already launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, damaging the Natanz enrichment plant and Isfahan nuclear research centre, but Fordow remains untouched. Analysts say Israel may continue its bombing campaign, but it is unclear if it can succeed without direct US intervention.

America's GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOP) may not be sure to work against Iran's nuclear sites, such as the Fordow fuel-enrichment plant, which has withstood Israeli air strikes, with the heart of the operation remaining intact deep below ground.

A "bunker buster" is a type of bomb designed to penetrate hardened underground targets, such as bunkers or nuclear facilities. The Massive Ordnance Penetrator is a sophisticated bunker buster that can destroy deeply buried targets like Iran's Fordow nuclear facility. Only one plane can carry this weapon. The conflict between Israel and Iran has brought attention to the capabilities of such a bomb, with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear sites.

The US-developed 30,000-pound GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordinance Penetrator (MOP) bunker buster may be the only means of destroying Iran's heavily-protected Fordow nuclear facility, which is located two hours from Tehran and is believed to be capable of producing a nuclear warhead in as little as two to three days. The MOP, carried by a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, can penetrate 200 feet underground and may need to be dropped multiple times in succession to effectively destroy the facility, which is estimated to be between 196 to 295 feet below ground. While Israel has its own bunker busters, military analysts believe they are not sufficient to destroy Fordow, and that the US MOP is the only viable option. The goal of a potential strike may not be to completely destroy the facility but to knock out its power source or make it inoperable for a period of time.

Israeli airstrikes on Iran have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children, contradicting Israel's claim that it does not target civilians. The strikes have killed hundreds, with the Ministry of Health reporting at least 224 deaths and nearly 2,000 injuries as of Sunday. The New York Times interviewed over 50 residents across various Iranian cities and reviewed numerous videos, photos, and testimonies documenting civilian casualties. Dr. Hossein Kermanpour, the Ministry of Health spokesman, stated that 90% of casualties were civilians. The airstrikes have upended daily life in Tehran, with constant air defense system thuds, explosions, and sirens replacing normal city sounds. Notable victims include an 8-year-old girl who loved dancing, a 28-year-old national equestrian champion, a poet one week away from her 24th birthday, and a graphic designer who worked for National Geographic. The Israeli Defense Forces claim the attacks target military commanders and officials, but missiles have also hit residential buildings, resulting in widespread destruction and civilian deaths. Emergency rooms are overwhelmed, and medical staff are required to remain on duty due to the acute need. Funerals are being held daily across Iran, with many mourning the loss of innocent lives.

Eleven Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire while seeking aid, and at least 33 were killed overall in Gaza on Wednesday, rescuers said. Thousands were queuing for food supplies on the Salah al-Din Road when Israeli forces opened fire and launched shells. The Israeli military said it fired warning shots after a group approached them in a potentially threatening manner. Separately, 19 people were killed in three Israeli air strikes in northern and southern Gaza. Gaza's health ministry reported at least 140 people were killed in 24 hours, and nearly 400 have been killed while trying to get aid since May 26. The UN and aid groups have condemned the aid distribution system, saying it is "lame, medieval and lethal" and puts people's lives at risk.