US President Donald Trump has set a two-week deadline to decide his stance on the Israel-Iran war. The White House is weighing whether the country should side with Israel and launch an attack on Iran or pursue diplomatic talks to help end the ongoing conflict. Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and retaliatory missile attacks by Iran have sent the United States into a critical foreign policy dilemma. Trump now faces mounting pressure to decide whether the US should support Israel militarily or prioritise diplomacy to de-escalate the crisis. Here we explore the factors that might influence Trump’s decision, and potential recent developments that would pressurise him to decide on the US’ stand.
On June 13, 2025, Israel triggered the war by launching a surprise operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, military bases and its leadership, including scientists. The attack killed several nuclear scientists and high-ranking military officials.
Iran responded with missile barrages, including a strike on a major Israeli hospital, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides- over 200 dead in Iran and at least 24 in Israel. The goal stated by Israel is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program, particularly the fortified Fordow enrichment facility, which it views as an existential threat. However, reports say Israel does not have weapons strong enough to destroy the Fordow site, which is deep underground- about 100 meters below a mountain near the holy city of Qom. Israeli leader Netanyahu and his team are trying to get the U.S. to go beyond just helping with defence. They are urging Trump to join the attack and saying that only he can stop Iran’s nuclear program completely.
Trump’s Stance
Trump’s public statements often reflected a desire to avoid Middle East wars. This matches his “America First” promise, where he said he would keep the U.S. out of other countries’ problems. However, after the Israeli attack on Iran, the US president’s reactions reflected a side towards Benjamin Netanyahu.
On June 17, he said Iran must give up completely, without any conditions. He also said the U.S. could go after Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, but later said he wouldn’t do that “for now.” Trump also said the U.S. controls the skies over Iran, which could be interpreted as he is open to using military force. By June 19, he said he would decide in two weeks whether to support Israel’s attacks, showing he might be moving toward war.
Window For Diplomacy
The U.S. decided to keep the option for peace talks open after Israel’s defence minister said that one of their goals is to remove Iran’s current government. While visiting a hospital damaged by an Iranian missile, Israel’s minister, Israel Katz, said that Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, should not be allowed to stay in power. He also said he had ordered more attacks to weaken the Iranian government. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, later said that removing Iran’s leaders was not an official goal. He said this as the war reached its seventh day.
Will Trump Choose Diplomatic Talks?
On June 18, US President Donald Trump suggested that it was “not too late” for talks. Israel’s minister, Israel Katz, has continued communicating with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This has led to an optimistic view that Trump might choose diplomacy. Additionally, Iran has signalled openness to negotiations if Israel stops its attacks, with European diplomats meeting Araghchi in Geneva to discuss Iran’s nuclear program. Trump’s administration has pitched a two-week window as an opportunity for diplomacy, citing Iran’s weakened leadership and nuclear expertise as leverage to push for a deal. But experts are doubtful. They say Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu thinks talking with Iran is useless. Also, Trump wants Iran to completely stop making enriched uranium, which is not possible. This demand has stopped talks in the past.
What Are The US Military Options
If Trump opts for military involvement, the U.S. could provide critical support, including
- The U.S. has special bombs called GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators. These can break through underground sites like Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility. Israel does not have bombs strong enough to do this.
- Logistical Support: Options include aerial refuelling, intelligence sharing, and electronic warfare to jam Iranian defences.
- Direct Combat: U.S. jets could join Israeli forces in active combat, though this carries significant risks of escalation.
According to reports, the Pentagon has already deployed additional assets to the Middle East, including a second aircraft carrier (USS Nimitz), warships, and refuelling planes, positioning the U.S. for either defensive or offensive operations. The Nimitz can hold 5,000 personnel and more than 60 aircraft, including fighter jets. However, Iran has warned that if the U.S. gets involved, it will lead to very serious damage. Intelligence reports say Iran is getting ready to attack U.S. military bases if America joins the war.
Domestic And International Pressures
The idea that the U.S. might attack Iran has caused disagreements among the people who support President Donald Trump. Some of his supporters are asking him not to start another war in the Middle East. Trump’s close MAGA (Make America Great Again) allies, such as Steve Bannon and Marjorie Taylor Greene, are urging him not to take military action against Iran. They are worried it could lead to another expensive and long war. But Trump says Iran must never be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. He also says there is no serious split inside the Republican Party over this issue. Still, the debate is showing a clear divide in the party- some Republicans want to stay out of foreign wars, while others support military action. Trump is now deciding whether to join Israel’s fight against Iran.
Trump has said, “My supporters are more in love with me today, and I’m in love with them more than they were even at election time,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I only want one thing: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Many countries are warning not to let the war grow worse. European nations are trying to solve the conflict through talks. Iran’s foreign minister is going to Geneva on Friday to meet with leaders from Britain, France, and Germany. Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and nearby countries like Oman have also offered to help by acting as go-betweens.
Netanyahu is counting on support from the U.S. Israeli officials say that Trump has quietly agreed to the attacks. Israel now believes that the U.S. will take part in the war. However, reports suggest that the White House’s two-week deadline is for Tehran, which they expect a last-minute deal to abandon its nuclear programme. As there is a global warning against making the war worse, the entire Europe is trying to find a peaceful solution. Iran’s foreign minister will be going to Geneva to meet with leaders from Britain, France, and Germany. Russian President Vladimir Putin and countries like Oman have also offered to help as mediators, just to tone down the situation.
