WASHINGTON, June 19 (Alliance News): US President Donald Trump has fueled global uncertainty after suggesting he may join Israel’s escalating military campaign against Iran, though he stopped short of confirming any direct American involvement.
As Israeli airstrikes battered Iranian cities and civilians fled Tehran in panic, Trump’s cryptic remark—“I may do it. I may not do it”—deepened anxiety over the potential for a broader regional war.
The situation remains volatile, with diplomatic efforts scrambling to contain the crisis. Trump claimed Iranian officials had expressed interest in meeting in Washington, but dismissed the idea as “a little late.”
Meanwhile, Germany, France, and Britain are reportedly planning emergency talks with Iran in Geneva on Friday, aimed at ensuring its nuclear programme remains civilian in nature.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had approved plans to strike Iran’s nuclear infrastructure but delayed action to allow for a diplomatic off-ramp.
Speaking about Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, Trump said, “We’re the only ones that have the capability to do it… but that doesn’t mean I’m going to.”
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a defiant televised address, rejecting Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender and warning of “irreparable damage” if the US intervenes militarily.
Panic spread across Tehran, with thousands fleeing the capital for safer areas. “My friend’s house in Tehran was attacked, her brother was injured,” said one resident. “Why are we paying the price?”
Israel has intensified its offensive, claiming to have destroyed Iran’s police headquarters and struck missile production sites. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “We control the skies over Tehran,” thanking Trump for ongoing US support.
The Israeli cabinet held a late-night meeting as missiles continued to rain down on both sides.
Social media remarks from Trump oscillated between threats and diplomatic gestures, including one post demanding Iran’s “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” while also hinting at potential talks. Iran’s mission to the United Nations ridiculed Trump online, calling him a “has-been warmonger.”
US military planners are weighing options to join Israeli operations, particularly targeting sites like Fordow. Analysts believe Israel may need American assistance to penetrate Iran’s heavily fortified nuclear facilities.
Meanwhile, missile sirens blared across Israel. Though most projectiles were intercepted, 24 civilians have reportedly been killed and debris caused injuries near Tel Aviv. Iran claims at least 224 of its citizens have died, though the toll is expected to rise.
Two US officials confirmed a military flight evacuated some American embassy personnel from Israel on Wednesday, a sign of Washington bracing for further escalation.
Iran’s strategic response includes veiled threats to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. Tehran has also restricted social media and public filming to prevent images of destruction from spreading and igniting further panic.
Iran’s regional ability to retaliate has been weakened due to prior Israeli strikes on its allies—Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon—over the past year.
As tensions spiral, world powers are working urgently to halt a full-scale Middle Eastern war that could upend global security and energy markets.
