Amid intensifying military exchanges between Iran and Israel, former U.S. President Donald Trump has voiced his desire for a “real end” to the nuclear dispute with Tehran, suggesting he may dispatch senior American officials for direct talks with the Islamic Republic.

Speaking after the G7 summit in Canada, Trump indicated that Israel is unlikely to ease its campaign anytime soon. “Nobody’s slowed up so far,” he said, hinting at continued hostilities. Among potential envoys named are Vice President JD Vance and U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Smoke rises from afire following a missile attack from Iran, in Herzliya, Israel, June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Airstrikes Continue

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continued into a fifth straight day, targeting what officials describe as nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure across Iran. An Israeli military source said the strikes have Iran’s military leadership “on the run.” One of the most significant blows came with the death of Iranian commander Ali Shadmani—just four days into his new role—as well as other top advisers to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

FILE PHOTO: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei speaks during a meeting with a group of students in Tehran, Iran November 2, 2022. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY/File Photo

Khamenei’s inner circle, once a cornerstone of Iran’s defense establishment, has reportedly been decimated, increasing the risks of strategic missteps. “The risk of miscalculation to Iran on issues of defense and internal stability is extremely dangerous,” one Iranian source said.

In response, Iran has launched around 400 ballistic missiles and hundreds of drones, inflicting both civilian and military casualties in Israel. The Israeli military reports 24 civilian deaths and over 647 injuries, while Iran cites 224 dead, mostly civilians. Israel claims to have intercepted the majority of incoming projectiles, though 35 missiles reportedly bypassed defense systems.

Iranian officials have promised further retaliation, describing new waves of missiles and drones aimed at Israel. At the same time, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claim they struck Israeli intelligence and military targets, although Israeli sources have not confirmed these reports.

Relatives and friends attend the funeral of Manar Khatib and her two daughters, Hala, 20, and Shada, 13, and their relative, Manar Khatib who were killed during a missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Tamra, north Israel June 17, 2025 REUTERS/Ammar Awad

The conflict has already impacted the global economy. Oil prices have spiked as tankers collided near the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint for a fifth of the world’s oil. Reports of increased electronic interference in the Gulf have further disrupted maritime operations. Additionally, production was briefly suspended at Iran’s South Pars gas field, which it shares with Qatar, following a fire attributed to Israeli airstrikes.

In Europe, diplomatic leaders called for restraint. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the “urgent need for de-escalation” and reiterated opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons. “Diplomacy is the solution,” she said.

No Deal Yet

As reported in Reuters,  Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested a more hardline approach, comparing Ayatollah Khamenei’s fate to that of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. “I warn the Iranian dictator against continuing to commit war crimes and fire missiles at Israeli citizens,” Katz said.

Despite growing tensions, Washington has indicated that Trump remains committed to achieving a nuclear deal with Iran. While he dismissed claims that he left the G7 summit to broker a ceasefire, Trump hinted that “something much bigger” may be in the works.

Iran insists its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes and continues to deny ambitions for nuclear weapons. However, the unfolding air war and political rhetoric suggest the crisis is far from over.

As the international community watches with increasing unease, both sides appear poised to escalate rather than retreat. The coming days may determine whether diplomacy or devastation takes precedence in the Middle East.