In a stunning shift from diplomacy to military support, U.S. President Donald Trump — who once prided himself on being a “peacemaker” — has found himself at the center of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. While publicly calling for peace, Trump was privately preparing for war.
On May 13, during an investment forum in Saudi Arabia, Trump issued a stark warning to Iran: “The time is right now for them to choose.” At the time, few noticed the comment, but behind the scenes, preparations for a potential Israeli strike on Iran were already underway — with Washington’s quiet involvement.
According to U.S. officials, the Pentagon began drafting support plans for Israel as early as mid-May. Defensive weapons initially allocated to Ukraine were redirected to the Middle East, signaling just how serious the situation was becoming.
Despite Trump’s efforts to promote a diplomatic resolution, multiple political allies and foreign intelligence reports pressured him into reconsidering his stance. Sources revealed that even if Trump never outright approved the Israeli strikes, he didn’t oppose them either — a silence that spoke volumes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, long determined to disrupt Iran’s nuclear capabilities, was reportedly prepared to go it alone. But Trump’s ambiguous posture, neither fully endorsing nor condemning the plan, effectively paved the way for action.
On June 12, Israel launched a surprise overnight barrage targeting Iran’s nuclear sites. Trump watched live from the White House’s Situation Room with his top aides, as missiles struck key Iranian facilities and reportedly killed several advisers close to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Although the initial strike was deemed successful, it did not completely cripple Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Intelligence sources estimate the program has only been delayed by a few months — raising concerns that stronger action may follow. Trump is reportedly considering a strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordow enrichment plant, an act that would mark a dramatic escalation.
The covert buildup to the attack was complex. In April, Saudi officials warned Iran to take Trump’s offer for diplomacy seriously, but Iran’s leaders seemingly dismissed it. Meanwhile, Israeli and American military officials were already exchanging sensitive intelligence and planning contingencies.
The move has divided Trump’s Republican Party. Some see it as necessary to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran, while others accuse the administration of plunging the U.S. into another costly Middle Eastern conflict.
With Iran vowing revenge and the Middle East on edge, Trump faces a crucial decision: push for renewed diplomacy, stand back as the conflict unfolds, or commit to deeper military involvement. The world watches, uncertain of his next move.
