Trump Weighs Deeper U.S. Role in Israel-Iran Conflict/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump returned to Washington early from the G7 summit to confront growing calls from Israel for U.S. military support against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. While Israel claims success in crippling Iranian defenses, it needs U.S. weapons to finish the job. Trump faces political and diplomatic risk as he navigates between escalation and restraint.
Trump Iran Dilemma Quick Looks
- U.S. role questioned: Trump returns from G7 as Israel pushes for bunker-busting bombs.
- Tehran threatened: Trump urges evacuation, signals shift from diplomacy to confrontation.
- Divided base: MAGA leaders warn deeper Mideast involvement may fracture Trump’s coalition.
- Military posturing: U.S. assets repositioned as tension rises across Middle East front.
- Fordo facility target: Israel lacks munitions to destroy Iran’s fortified nuclear site.
- No deal in sight: Trump cools on talks, rejects intelligence doubting Iran’s nuclear intent.
Trump Weighs Deeper U.S. Role in Israel-Iran Conflict
Deep Look
Trump’s Return Amid Escalation
President Donald Trump abruptly left the G7 summit in Canada to return to Washington early Tuesday, entering a pivotal moment in his presidency. His administration faces rising pressure from Israel, which claims five days of intense bombing have crippled Iran’s defenses but needs U.S. support to complete a decisive strike against Iran’s nuclear program.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump warned Tehran’s citizens to evacuate and reiterated, “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Israel Requests Bunker-Busting Bombs
Despite Israeli claims of air superiority, it lacks the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, the only munition capable of destroying Iran’s deeply buried Fordo enrichment facility. Israel has asked the U.S. to supply the bomb or directly assist with its B-2 stealth bombers, capable of delivering it.
While Trump has not committed, insiders suggest he is inching toward deeper American involvement in the conflict.
Public Messaging Shifts
In a dramatic tone shift, Trump, who hours earlier suggested a nuclear deal with Iran was possible, posted an alarming call for Tehran’s 9.5 million residents to flee.
When asked why he ordered the evacuation, Trump said, “I just want people to be safe,” adding that France’s President Emmanuel Macron was wrong in claiming the U.S. was working on a ceasefire: “We’re looking at better than a ceasefire.”
Diplomacy on Hold
Trump hasn’t entirely closed the door on talks, suggesting he might send Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to explore diplomacy “depending on what happens when I get back.”
But his rejection of National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard’s assessment that Iran isn’t pursuing a nuclear weapon highlights growing mistrust. “I don’t care what she said,” Trump asserted. “They were very close.”
MAGA World Fractures
A growing rift is emerging among Trump’s base over foreign policy. Tucker Carlson accused Trump of being “complicit in an act of war,” warning that deeper involvement in Iran could betray his 2024 promises to avoid endless wars.
Marjorie Taylor Greene and Charlie Kirk echoed concerns that ramping up military aid to Israel could fracture MAGA unity. Kirk warned the move might “disrupt our momentum and our insanely successful presidency.”
In contrast, Sen. Lindsey Graham urged full support for Israel, tweeting, “Go all-in… destroy Iran’s nuclear program.”
White House Signals Military Readiness
As speculation grew, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth went on Fox News to defend Trump’s approach, saying, “What you’re watching in real time is peace through strength and America First.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. has repositioned military aircraft and warships in the region, preparing for potential escalation if diplomacy fails or Israel proceeds unilaterally.
Trump Rejects Khamenei Assassination
Despite his hawkish stance, Trump reportedly rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. A U.S. official confirmed that the plan was deemed too risky and was shut down after internal briefings.
This highlights the fine line Trump is walking—balancing military posturing with an effort to avoid plunging the U.S. into a broader war.
