As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies into its second week, the world watches closely to see whether the United States will take the decisive step of joining Israel’s military campaign against Iran’s nuclear and missile infrastructure. President Donald Trump’s ambiguous remarks and shifting signals have left global powers, regional allies, and even his own political base guessing.

Trump’s Strategic Silence: “I May Do It. I May Not”

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, President Trump declined to commit to a course of action. “I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he said, brushing aside repeated inquiries about whether U.S. forces would join Israel’s escalating airstrikes on Iranian targets.

Later in the day, Trump revealed that Iranian officials had expressed interest in talks in Washington. “We may do that,” he said, but added, “It’s a little late.”

Still, behind the scenes, Trump is reportedly weighing military options. According to The Wall Street Journal, he has approved plans for a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities but is withholding a final order—perhaps to pressure Tehran into diplomatic concessions.

FILE PHOTO: A satellite image shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran after airstrike in Iran in this handout image dated June 15, 2025. Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MUST NOT OBSCURE LOGO/File Photo

Israel Strikes Deep, Iran Fires Back

Israel’s air campaign has dealt major blows to Iranian military assets. In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli jets hit missile factories, command centers, and reportedly damaged the Khondab heavy water nuclear facility. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the operation was “progressing step by step” toward eliminating Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile threats.

In retaliation, Iran has launched approximately 400 missiles at Israeli territory. About 40 penetrated Israel’s defense systems, killing 24 civilians. Israeli military officials confirmed that several Iranian drones were intercepted, while others caused damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.

The Iranian government reported at least 224 civilian deaths in Israeli strikes, though independent sources suggest the toll could be far higher.

A destroyed drone, which the Iranian Army says belongs to Israel, is seen in Isfahan, Iran, in this handout image obtained on June 18, 2025. Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS – THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

A Nation on Edge: Civilians Fleeing, Internet Restricted

In Tehran, panic is spreading. Residents are fleeing the capital amid fears of further attacks. “My friend’s house in Tehran was attacked and her brother was injured,” said Arezou, a 31-year-old resident who escaped to the resort town of Lavasan. “Why are we paying the price for the regime’s decision to pursue a nuclear program?”

Meanwhile, Iran has imposed internet restrictions and banned public filming of destruction, seeking to limit the spread of panic.

A person carries his dog as he stands at an impact site following a strike from Iran on Israel, in Ramat Gan, Israel June 19, 2025. REUTERS/Nir Elias

Geopolitical Stakes: Allies Divided, Diplomats Scramble

European powers are attempting to revive diplomacy. The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain will meet their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday in an effort to salvage Iran’s commitment to peaceful nuclear development.

But global diplomacy is fragile. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin refused to entertain the possibility of the U.S. and Israel targeting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “I do not want to discuss this possibility,” he said.

Iran, for its part, issued a stern warning: “Any U.S. military intervention will undoubtedly be accompanied by irreparable damage,” Khamenei said in a televised address.

Domestic Divide: Trump Faces Tensions Within MAGA Base

Trump’s deliberation over potential U.S. military involvement has exposed a deep rift within his political base. Isolationist figures like Steve Bannon and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have publicly opposed any action, warning that it would drag America into another costly Middle East war.

Anti-war activists protest outside the White House following the latest exchange of missile strikes between Iran and Israel, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 18, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt

“We can’t do this again,” Bannon said, invoking the memory of Iraq. Greene echoed the sentiment: “We are sick and tired of foreign wars. All of them.”

Yet others, including Senator Lindsey Graham and Vice President JD Vance, argue that Iran’s nuclear ambitions justify military intervention. Trump himself seemed unfazed by dissent. “My supporters are more in love with me today… I only want one thing: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said.

Military analysts suggest that only the U.S. has the firepower to eliminate deeply buried Iranian facilities like Fordow. But intervention risks igniting a broader war in an already volatile region.