As the Israel-Iran conflict entered its seventh day, U.S. President Donald Trump kept the world guessing on Washington’s next move, issuing a cryptic warning that “nobody knows what I’m going to do,” when asked if the U.S. would join Israel in striking Iranian nuclear sites.
Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Wednesday, Trump confirmed that Iranian officials had shown interest in visiting Washington for diplomatic talks. “We may do that,” he said, while also adding, “It’s a little late.”
Tensions Rise, Diplomacy Attempts Continue
Despite backchannel communications, European efforts at diplomacy continue, with the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain scheduled to meet Iran’s counterpart in Geneva on Friday. The goal: obtaining firm commitments that Iran’s nuclear program remains strictly civilian.
Meanwhile, in Tehran, reports suggest residents are fleeing the capital amid intensifying Israeli airstrikes, which now reportedly include an attack on Iran’s police headquarters.
Trump’s Inner Circle & Military Plans
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump has approved attack plans on Iran but is delaying the final go-ahead, waiting to see if Tehran backs down from its nuclear pursuits.
When asked if Iran’s government could collapse under military pressure, Trump replied, “Sure, anything could happen.” Regarding the possibility of destroying Iran’s underground Fordow nuclear site, Trump asserted, “We’re the only ones that have the capability to do it. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to do it — at all.”
Khamenei Responds: Iran Will Not Surrender
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a stern televised address, rejecting Trump’s demand for unconditional surrender. “The Iranian nation will not surrender,” he said, warning that any U.S. military intervention would bring irreparable damage.
Amid the military escalation, air raid sirens rang out in northern Israel early Thursday after drones launched from Iran were intercepted near the Jordan Valley.
With diplomacy hanging by a thread and the threat of war looming, global leaders continue to watch Washington’s next move — a decision Trump insists only he knows.
