Trump Says U.S. Ready to Strike Iran If Needed/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Trump says he doesn’t seek war with Iran but remains ready to strike if necessary. As tensions rise over Iran’s nuclear program, European diplomats prepare for emergency talks, and the U.S. evacuates personnel from Israel. Trump’s MAGA base shows mixed reactions.
Trump Iran Standoff + Quick Looks:
- Trump says he’s “not looking to fight” Iran.
- U.S. ready to act if nuclear threat persists.
- Situation Room meetings signal urgency at White House.
- European diplomats to hold Iran talks Friday in Geneva.
- U.S. evacuates some embassy personnel from Israel.
- Trump’s MAGA allies split on deepening Middle East involvement.
- Iran denies seeking talks, mocks Trump’s threats.
Trump Says U.S. Ready to Strike Iran If Needed
Deep Look
President Donald Trump maintained a firm yet restrained posture on Iran Wednesday, asserting that while he doesn’t seek a conflict, the United States is prepared to take military action if Iran advances its nuclear ambitions.
“I’m not looking to fight,” Trump said from the Oval Office, “but if it’s a choice between fighting and allowing a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do.”
His comments came after two days of high-level Situation Room briefings, highlighting the seriousness with which the administration is weighing a potential strike. Trump’s remarks underscore his desire to balance restraint with deterrence, especially as Iran continues defiant rhetoric in response to Israeli and U.S. pressure.
Trump’s administration also began evacuating select personnel and families from the U.S. embassy in Israel. The evacuation reflects escalating security risks following an Iranian missile strike that injured more than 200 near Tel Aviv earlier in the week.
At the same time, senior European diplomats from Germany, France, and the UK—along with the EU’s chief diplomat—are set to meet with Iranian representatives in Geneva on Friday. The emergency meeting signals a renewed effort to revive diplomacy and prevent the conflict from widening.
Despite rising tension, Trump insists it’s “not too late” for Iran to abandon its nuclear program. “I may do it, I may not do it,” he said about a potential strike. “Nobody knows what I’m going to do.”
The U.S. president also took a dismissive tone toward Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who warned of “irreparable damage” if the U.S. intervenes. “I say good luck,” Trump quipped, reaffirming his hardline stance.
On Tuesday, Trump claimed that the U.S. knows where Khamenei is hiding, but has no current plans to eliminate him: “We are not going to take him out — at least not for now.”
Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon is ready with military options. These include potential support for Israeli operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, notably following recent Israeli strikes on the Arak heavy water reactor.
Trump also claimed Iranian officials had reached out to the White House, “getting the hell beaten out of them” by Israel. However, Iran’s mission to the United Nations denied the claim, calling it a fabrication and condemning Trump’s rhetoric as cowardly.
Adding a geopolitical twist, Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin offered to mediate talks between the U.S. and Iran. Trump rejected the offer: “I said, ‘Vladimir, let’s mediate Russia first.’”
Russia, which has deepened ties with Iran since the Ukraine war began, warned Washington against any military involvement in the conflict. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said even hypothetical support for Israel could dangerously destabilize the region.
Back home, Trump faces mounting pressure from some in his MAGA base. Prominent conservative figures like Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson have expressed concern that deeper military engagement in Iran could alienate grassroots supporters.
“This is not something you play around with,” Bannon said, calling for deliberate strategy and public buy-in.
Others, like Senator Ted Cruz, downplayed the possibility of broader engagement. “There is zero possibility of American boots on the ground in Iran,” Cruz said, attempting to reassure wary conservatives.
Trump dismissed concerns that his hawkish stance might hurt him politically. “My supporters are more in love with me today,” he declared, “more than they were even at election time.”
As Iran prepares for European-led diplomatic talks and the U.S. weighs its next move, the region remains on edge. Trump’s approach reflects a blend of brinkmanship, political calculation, and a desire to maintain U.S. strategic dominance without plunging into a new war.
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