US President Donald Trump has said he has not decided whether to join Israel's war against Iran, as Tehran warned of severe consequences for any American military intervention. Speaking on the White House lawn, Trump stated, 'I may do it, I may not do it. Nobody knows what I'm going to do.' His comments came hours after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared that any US military involvement would result in 'irreparable damage'.
The New York Times reported that US intelligence officials believe Iran is preparing missiles and other equipment to strike American bases in the region if Washington enters the conflict. In response, the US has moved air tankers to Spain and Greece for potential midair refuelling of B-2 bombers, and the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier has been ordered from Singapore to the Middle East, a journey of five to seven days.
Despite the military posturing, there are signs of diplomatic movement. Trump claimed that Iranian officials had requested a meeting and proposed a visit to the White House, though Iran's UN mission vehemently denied this, stating no Iranian official had sought to 'grovel at the gates'. Meanwhile, the foreign ministers of the UK, France, and Germany plan to meet Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Geneva on Friday, potentially the first face-to-face diplomatic talks since the crisis began.
Araghchi has indicated Iran remains committed to diplomacy but has refused to meet US envoy Steve Witkoff. The Geneva talks are expected to focus on Iran's nuclear programme, with the EU foreign policy chief also attending. Qatar and Oman are attempting to mediate a ceasefire, as flight tracking showed at least one Iranian government aircraft flew to Muscat, Oman.
The Fordow nuclear facility, buried deep underground near Qom, is a key target for Israel and US hawks, as only the most powerful US bunker-buster bombs can destroy it. Israel's national security adviser said the war 'will not end without damaging Fordow'. However, the UK has not been asked to use its bases at Diego Garcia or Akrotiri for the operation, though the latter is considered likely.
