US President Donald Trump has announced that he will make a decision within two weeks on whether the United States will join Israel in military operations against Iran, as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed this timeline to reporters on Thursday, quoting a message from President Trump: "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations 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 emphasized that while Trump positions himself as a "peacemaker in chief" who prioritizes diplomatic solutions, he "is not afraid to use strength as well," suggesting that military action remains firmly on the table.
Escalating Middle East Tensions
The announcement comes amid a dangerous escalation between Israel and Iran, with both nations exchanging ballistic missile strikes in recent days. Israel reportedly fired a missile at an Iranian nuclear site, prompting retaliation from Iran. These exchanges have resulted in casualties on both sides.
The conflict has already had wider regional impacts. Reports indicate that patients at Soroka hospital in Israel were evacuated to other facilities following Iranian missile strikes, while a nationwide internet blackout was reported in Iran as missile exchanges continued.
International Reactions
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has publicly called on Trump to join Israel's military operation against Iran, putting additional pressure on the US administration to take a definitive stance.
Meanwhile, Russia has issued a warning through its deputy foreign minister that US involvement in strikes against Iran could "radically destabilize" the Middle East, highlighting the complex geopolitical considerations at play.
The Nigerian government has also been working to finalize the evacuation of its citizens from both Israel and Iran as the situation deteriorates.
Separately, medical sources reported that 72 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, underscoring the broader humanitarian crisis in the region.
As global tensions mount, Trump faces the challenge of balancing his self-proclaimed role as a peacemaker with Israel's apparent request for him to "finish the job" against Iran.
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