June 17, 2025 — As the direct military conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies into a fifth consecutive day of missile strikes and counter-strikes, global attention has shifted sharply to Washington, where U.S. President Donald Trump is urgently deliberating his next move. On Monday, June 16, Trump cut short his visit to the G7 Summit in Canada and returned to Washington, D.C., fueling speculation of possible direct U.S. involvement in the Middle East crisis.
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President Trump’s approach to the crisis has been marked by a mix of forceful rhetoric and diplomatic overtones. While warning that “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON,” he also emphasized yesterday that a nuclear deal with Iran is still “achievable,” reiterating that Tehran “should have signed the ‘deal’ I told them to sign.” Notably, he called for the "immediate evacuation" of Tehran, amplifying urgency and concern over potential escalation.
As the National Security Council deliberates, six possible options are under consideration:
1. Diplomatic Path and a "Deal"
Despite heightened tensions, Trump continues to express a preference for diplomacy. He hinted at the G7 summit that he may dispatch Vice President JD Vance and special envoy Steve Witkoff to initiate talks with Iranian officials aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions. However, with Iran stating it will not negotiate while under attack, prospects for diplomatic progress remain slim in the short term. Trump’s assertion that his G7 exit was not about securing a ceasefire but something “much bigger” has left his diplomatic intentions ambiguous.
2. Increased Sanctions and Economic Pressure
The U.S. could expand its "maximum pressure" campaign by introducing even harsher sanctions targeting Iran’s oil exports, financial systems, and military support networks. This strategy would aim to weaken Iran’s economy further, thereby compelling Tehran to the negotiation table despite its current resistance.
3. Providing Advanced Military Support to Israel
Although the U.S. maintains it is not directly involved in Israel’s offensive, several support measures are being considered:
- Transferring Advanced Munitions: Israel lacks certain high-powered weaponry, such as the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator ("bunker buster"), and may seek U.S. assistance. The U.S. is the only country that possesses both these weapons and the B-2 bombers needed to deploy them.
- Enhanced Intelligence Sharing: Real-time intelligence and targeting support could improve the effectiveness of Israeli strikes.
- Missile Defense Augmentation: Additional U.S. defense systems could be deployed in the region to fortify Israel against Iranian retaliation.
4. Limited Direct Military Involvement
This option would carry the greatest immediate risk of regional escalation, but remains actively considered:
- Targeted Airstrikes: U.S. forces might strike specific Iranian military or nuclear facilities that Israel has not been able to neutralize.
- Cyber Attacks: Operations aimed at crippling Iran’s military communications and infrastructure are also under review.
- Naval Operations: A larger U.S. naval presence near the Strait of Hormuz could place further pressure on Iran both militarily and economically.
5. Full-Scale Military Intervention / Regime Change
This would represent the most aggressive U.S. posture, potentially drawing the nation into a prolonged and high-cost war. While some in the U.S. Congress and within Trump’s political base have advocated for regime change, the associated humanitarian and geopolitical risks are significant. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly encouraged such a path, even suggesting the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—an option Trump is said to have declined.
6. De-escalation and Withdrawal
On the other end of the spectrum, Trump could adopt a non-interventionist stance. This would involve urging restraint from both sides while avoiding direct U.S. military engagement. The strategy echoes sentiments from parts of his "America First" base that oppose foreign military entanglements. Influential conservative figures like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene have already voiced opposition to U.S. involvement in the conflict.
Current Indicators and Strategic Positioning
White House officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have emphasized that U.S. forces in the region remain "postured defensively." Trump’s call for the evacuation of Tehran and his claim that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons suggest a heightened sense of urgency. His return to Washington and the convening of the National Security Council reflect the gravity of the choices before him.
Iran, for its part, has issued direct warnings to the United States, threatening retaliation against American bases in the region should the U.S. provide further support to Israel. As the Israel-Iran conflict continues to escalate, President Trump's decisions in the coming days may prove decisive not only for the Middle East but for broader global security.
The world watches closely.
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