President Donald Trump is weighing a potential U.S. military strike on Iran as the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, sparking global concern and a wave of reactions from allies, adversaries, and voices across the political spectrum. The decision point comes amid nightly airstrikes in Tehran and heightened rhetoric between Washington and Tehran.
“I may do it. I may not do it,” Trump told reporters at the White House on June 18. “Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
He called the coming days “very big” and indicated that any final decision would be made only at the last moment, explaining: “I like to make a final decision one second before it’s due, because things change.”
Khamenei Rejects U.S. Demands, Warns of Retaliation
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei forcefully rejected Trump’s demand for “unconditional surrender” and dismissed reports that Iran had requested a White House meeting. His comments followed six consecutive nights of Israeli airstrikes in Iran, with civilians fleeing both Tehran and Tel Aviv.
“The Iranian nation cannot be surrendered… We will not accept any kind of submission,” Khamenei said in a nationally televised address. “America’s intervention in this matter is 100% to their detriment. What they will suffer is greater than what Iran may suffer.”
The Iranian government also summoned Germany’s ambassador over what it called “offensive remarks” made by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about possible destruction of Iran’s nuclear program.
Civilian Evacuations and Growing Fear
As Israeli air raids continue, U.S. officials confirmed that they are organizing emergency evacuations for Americans in Israel via flights and cruise ships. In Iran, highways out of Tehran are packed with families fleeing bombings, while in Israel, residents are taking shelter in stations and public spaces.
“Why are we paying the price for the regime’s decision to pursue a nuclear program?” asked Arezou, 31, who fled to a resort town outside Tehran.
Trump’s Justification: “Iran Cannot Have a Nuclear Weapon”
Trump reiterated his long-held belief that Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose a serious threat:
“I don’t want to get involved [in war], but Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon… I believe they’d use it. Others won’t, but I believe they would.”
He added that Iran was only “weeks away” from obtaining nuclear capability, and that they missed their chance to avoid conflict by rejecting a U.S.-proposed deal to end their nuclear program.
U.S.-Iran War Debate Splits MAGA Movement
The Iran crisis is also deepening internal divisions within Trump’s base. While traditional Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham have urged Trump to “be all in” with Israel—including joint airstrikes—figures like Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene have spoken out against U.S. military involvement.
Bannon warned that this could be the breaking point:
“This has not been thought through… The American people are not ready to get into another war.”
Carlson, who called Trump “complicit in the act of war,” later reportedly apologized after Trump lashed out, calling him “kooky.”
Greene defended Carlson, writing:
“Foreign wars and regime change put America last… That’s not kooky. That’s America First.”
Trump responded by asserting that his supporters remain loyal, despite any divisions:
“I only want one thing: Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon… Some people may be unhappy now, but many others are very happy.”
Russia Offers to Mediate — Trump Declines
Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly offered to mediate talks between Iran and Israel, but Trump turned down the suggestion:
“Do me a favor. Mediate your own war first,” Trump said, referring to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Israel Targets Iran’s Deepest Nuclear Site
Israeli officials confirmed that their ultimate military target is Iran’s Fordo nuclear enrichment facility, buried deep within a mountain and protected from conventional airstrikes. U.S. military experts have said that only 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bombs—which Israel does not possess—could destroy Fordo.
While Israel is prepared to go it alone, National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi made clear:
“This operation will not conclude without a strike on the Fordo nuclear facility.”
Pentagon Ready, Schumer Demands Briefing
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators that the Pentagon is “prepared to execute” any action ordered by the president. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has requested a classified all-senators briefing on the escalating situation.
As the crisis deepens, President Trump is walking a tightrope between military confrontation and diplomacy, political loyalty and internal dissent, national security and international restraint. With both Tehran and Tel Aviv in the crosshairs—and world capitals on alert—the next week could prove decisive for U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East.
