U.S. President Donald Trump announced he will decide within two weeks whether to launch a military strike on Iran. This decision comes as the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered Trump’s statement. She emphasized the possibility of renewed talks with Iran on its nuclear program. “Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future… I will make my decision whether or not to go, within the next two weeks,” Leavitt quoted Trump.
Trump Eyes Iran’s Fordo Nuclear Facility
Trump is reportedly considering a strike on Iran’s Fordo uranium enrichment plant. This site lies deep underground and is heavily protected. Only U.S. “bunker-buster” bombs can penetrate its defenses.
When asked about his next move, Trump kept his answer vague. “I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” he told reporters. “I have ideas as to what to do,” he added, saying he will make the “final decision one second before it’s due.”
Israel’s Airstrikes Kill Hundreds in Iran
The conflict began when Israel launched surprise air raids on Iranian nuclear and military sites. A U.S.-based Iranian human rights group reported that 639 people died, including 263 civilians. More than 1,300 others suffered injuries.
In retaliation, Iran fired around 450 missiles and 1,000 drones at Israel. Although Israel intercepted most of them, at least 24 Israelis died, and hundreds were injured.
Iranian Missiles Hit Hospital and Homes
The violence intensified when Iranian missiles struck a hospital in southern Israel and damaged homes near Tel Aviv. These attacks injured at least 240 people, according to AP.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, held Iran’s Supreme Leader responsible. “In order to achieve all of its goals, this man absolutely should not continue to exist,” he said.
Netanyahu Backs Trump’s Involvement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba after the missile attack. He expressed confidence in Trump’s leadership.
“They’re already helping a lot,” Netanyahu said. “I trust Trump to do what’s best for America.”
At the time, the hospital was treating around 700 patients. Staff acted quickly and moved many to underground shelters. Still, 80 patients and workers were hurt. Most injuries were minor.
Iran Accused of Using Cluster Munitions
Israel’s Home Front Command said one Iranian missile contained cluster munitions. These bombs release smaller explosives over a wide area. Iran denied hitting the hospital and claimed it targeted a nearby military tech facility instead.
Israel Responds by Bombing Arak Nuclear Site
In response, Israel struck Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor. This facility once played a major role in producing plutonium for potential nuclear weapons. Iranian state media reported that officials had evacuated the site before the strike. They confirmed there was “no radiation danger.”
Nuclear Agreement Frozen Since U.S. Withdrawal
The 2015 nuclear deal led to partial changes at the Arak reactor. However, that progress stopped when the U.S. exited the agreement in 2018. Israel said the airstrike aimed to block Iran from restoring the facility’s weapons-grade capacity.
Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) admitted it can no longer fully monitor Iran’s heavy water production due to recent access restrictions.