Trump weighs U.S. involvement as Israel-Iran strikes intensify

Reuters

President Donald Trump met with top security advisers Tuesday as the U.S. boosted its military presence in the Middle East amid escalating strikes between Israel and Iran.

Trump, who left the G-7 summit early, is considering options, including joining Israel in targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities or pursuing last-minute diplomacy to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

On social media, Trump demanded Iran's “unconditional surrender” and hinted at restraint, stating the U.S. knows the whereabouts of Iran’s supreme leader but won’t act “for now.”

"We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," he wrote on Truth Social. "We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now...Our patience is wearing thin."

Three minutes later, he posted, "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!"

A White House official said Trump spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by phone on Tuesday, confirming a report from Axios.

Pentagon officials confirmed an expanded U.S. military presence in the region to protect assets. Analysts warn Iran retains significant missile capabilities despite reduced strikes.

n Israeli military official said approximately 10 ballistic missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel in the early hours of Wednesday morning and most of them were intercepted. Explosions were heard over Tel Aviv.

Explosions were also heard in Tehran and the city of Karaj to the west of the capital, Iranian news websites reported.

Iran fired 30 missiles at central Israel on Tuesday, injuring at least 12, while Israel reported minimal damage from the attacks. In response, Tehran announced intensified strikes involving drones and advanced weapons, though the scale of its barrages has declined since the conflict began.

Iranian officials have reported 224 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel said 24 civilians had been killed. Residents of both countries have been evacuated or fled.

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