Washington, D.C. (The COW News Digital) – As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a cautious approach, stating he will make a decision within two weeks on whether the United States will directly intervene in the conflict.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt announced during a briefing that President Trump remains committed to diplomacy but will not tolerate Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons. “The President will base his decision on the facts available in the coming days. His top priority is to ensure Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon,” she said.
Trump is reportedly exploring diplomatic avenues to de-escalate the situation but has made it clear that military options remain on the table. “He is a peacemaker and believes in peace through strength,” Leavitt said. “If there is a chance for diplomacy, he will seize it—but he won’t hesitate to use force if necessary.”
Responding to questions about Congressional authorization for military action, Leavitt stated that Iran has never been closer to nuclear capability and that the administration is closely monitoring the situation.
The conflict intensified after Iran launched its most devastating missile attack yet on Israel. Over 50 Israelis were injured, some critically, as Iranian missiles struck four major locations including the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange and Soroka Medical Center. Israel responded by targeting Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor.
In a bold statement, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the war will only end with the elimination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom he blamed for orchestrating the attacks. “This war has one goal now—the removal of Khamenei,” Gallant said.
Iran, in its defense, claimed that the Soroka hospital was being used as a military base by Israeli forces. Multiple explosions rocked Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, causing extensive damage.
This marks Iran’s 11th missile and drone attack on Israel under “Operation Wada-e-Sadiq III,” including the deployment of the new Sejjil missile, capable of high-altitude trajectory and precision targeting. While Israeli defense systems were activated, several missiles penetrated their defenses.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered to mediate between the two nations. In separate calls to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin proposed a ceasefire. Analysts suggest that Russia’s motivation lies in preserving its strategic alliance with Iran, especially after signing a military cooperation pact in January.
Russia has condemned Israel’s strikes on Iranian territory. However, Ukraine and its allies accuse Iran of supplying drones and short-range missiles to Russia for use in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
As global powers weigh in, the world watches anxiously, hoping for de-escalation amid the threat of a broader Middle East war.
