The United States stands at a pivotal crossroads as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, with the White House announcing that President Donald Trump will decide within two weeks whether the U.S. will take direct action in the conflict.

White House: Trump to Decide Within Two Weeks

President Donald Trump has denied reports that he has approved plans for a U.S. military strike against Iran, pushing back on claims made in the Wall Street Journal. The newspaper, citing unnamed officials, reported that Trump had signed off on an attack plan but was waiting to see if Tehran would halt its nuclear program before issuing final orders.

While the White House confirmed Trump will participate in a national security meeting on Friday morning, it remains unclear whether the U.S. will take direct military action or pursue diplomatic channels.

Mounting Casualties on Both Sides

Iran has suffered heavy losses due to Israeli airstrikes, with 639 people reportedly killed, including top military officials and nuclear scientists, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Israel has also suffered casualties, with at least two dozen civilians killed in Iranian missile attacks. Reuters has been unable to independently verify figures from either side.

Amid mutual accusations, Israel claims Iran is using cluster munitions to deliberately target civilians. Iran, meanwhile, says five hospitals have been damaged in Israeli attacks and accuses Israel of targeting a hospital on Iranian soil.

Iran Rules Out U.S. Talks Amid Conflict

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi ruled out negotiations with the U.S., labeling Washington a “partner in crime” with Israel. Araqchi stated that diplomacy was off the table while Israeli strikes continued.

Although Iran says it is focusing on military and defense-related targets, civilian infrastructure in Israel has been hit. Iran claimed it was targeting Israeli military sites near a hospital in Beersheba, but Israel denies any such facilities existed in the area.

Europe Pushes for De-escalation

In a parallel diplomatic effort, foreign ministers from Britain, France, and Germany, along with the European Union’s top foreign policy official, are set to meet Araqchi in Geneva on Friday in a bid to lower tensions.

“Now is the time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one,” said UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been in close contact with European and allied foreign ministers, with all agreeing that “Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.” Lammy emphasized that a narrow “window” now exists for a diplomatic solution—but only if military actions stop.

Escalation Continues on the Ground

Israel remains under threat from Iranian missile strikes. Early Friday, a missile struck Beersheba—Israel’s largest southern city—damaging residential and industrial buildings and leaving a large crater. Several civilians sustained light injuries, according to local emergency services.

Emergency services officials inspect damage to buildings hit following a missile strike from Iran, in Be’er Sheva, Israel June 20, 2025 in this screen grab from video obtained by Reuters. Obtained via REUTERS/via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.

Israel has also intensified its own operations, launching strikes in Tehran targeting missile production and nuclear research facilities. Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned of potential action against Hezbollah, Iran’s ally in Lebanon, after the group signaled it may intervene.

Civil Unrest Unlikely Inside Iran

While some Iranian opposition figures believe the regime faces its most severe challenge since the 1979 revolution, widespread protests appear unlikely. Activists point to the threat of war as a major deterrent.

Venezuelan government supporters participate in a march in support of Iran, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, in Caracas, Venezuela June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Leonardo Fernandez Viloria

“In such horrifying circumstances, people are solely focused on saving themselves, their families, their compatriots, and even their pets,” said Atena Daemi, a former political prisoner now living abroad.

Outlook: U.S. Decision Looms as Crisis Deepens

With European diplomacy underway and military tensions showing no signs of easing, global attention turns to the United States. President Trump’s decision—expected within two weeks—could determine whether the path forward leads to negotiation or greater conflict.

The announcement comes amid a deadly exchange of missile strikes between the two longtime adversaries. Israeli air attacks have reportedly killed 639 people in Iran, including senior military officials and nuclear scientists, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Iran, in turn, has launched missile strikes into Israeli territory, including Beersheba, Israel’s largest southern city, where a major hospital was hit. Iran claims it was targeting nearby military headquarters, a claim Israel denies.