Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump left the door open, saying, “Yes, I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do.” He added that the next few days — or “next week” — would be “very big,” suggesting that major developments are imminent.
Tensions have spiked following Israel’s sweeping airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, an operation that reportedly eliminated several top Iranian commanders. Iran responded by launching its own missile attacks, escalating fears of a wider regional war. The United States has not directly participated in the fighting but has assisted Israel in intercepting incoming missiles.
Though Secretary of State Marco Rubio initially said the U.S. had not been involved in the Israeli strikes, Trump later acknowledged to Reuters that he had been informed of the operation ahead of time.
Trump also claimed that Tehran is under intense pressure and eager to return to negotiations — despite pulling out of planned talks in Oman just days earlier. “Iran’s got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate,” Trump said. “Why didn’t they negotiate with me before all this death and destruction?”
The president reiterated his long-standing position that Iran must never be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon, referencing remarks he’s made as far back as 15 years ago. “This is just not a threat you can have,” he said. “We’ve been threatened by Iran for many years.”
He added that he had delivered Iran what he described as “the ultimate ultimatum” — pushing once again for an unconditional surrender or return to nuclear negotiations.
Iran, however, warned the U.S. against further involvement. “Any American intervention would be a recipe for an all-out war in the region,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told Al Jazeera English.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, has remained defiant in recent public addresses, appearing alongside nuclear scientists and reaffirming Iran’s strategic goals.
Earlier this year, Trump revived his “maximum pressure” campaign, signing an executive order directing the Treasury Department to intensify sanctions — particularly targeting Iran’s oil exports — as a way to cripple Tehran’s economy and force compliance on nuclear terms.
As the drums of war grow louder, Trump’s next move could reshape not only the outcome of the Iran–Israel standoff, but the balance of power across the Middle East.
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