The Middle East crisis reached new and alarming heights this week, as former U.S. President Donald Trump convened a high-stakes meeting with top national security officials in the White House Situation Room. According to senior sources, Trump is actively considering a U.S. military strike on Iran amid intensifying conflict between Tehran and Tel Aviv.
Fighting between Israel and Iran has entered its fifth day, with both sides escalating military operations. Overnight, Israel launched coordinated strikes on western Iran and targets in Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for killing Iran’s wartime chief, General Mohammad Bagheri, in what analysts describe as one of the most significant assassinations since the conflict began.
Iran responded swiftly. Its Revolutionary Guard confirmed multiple missile attacks on Israeli air bases, stating these would continue “in a sequential, complex, multi-layered and gradual manner.” Explosions were reported across Tel Aviv and Haifa, where air raid sirens sent residents scrambling for shelter. The Revolutionary Guard warned civilians to evacuate those cities, with a top Iranian general describing earlier strikes as "just a warning" and promising a "punitive operation soon."
Trump’s rhetoric has only added fuel to the fire. He has reiterated his long-standing demand that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon and made chilling suggestions that the U.S. could target Iran's supreme leader — though he noted it "won't, for now."
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, emphasized that Trump has been “clear and consistent” about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. She also revealed that a Middle East task force has been activated to support American citizens and staff in the region. Travel warnings have been updated, urging U.S. nationals to avoid Israel, Iraq, and Iran altogether.
Meanwhile, bipartisan U.S. lawmakers are pushing back. A resolution introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez seeks to bar Trump from launching unilateral military action. “The Constitution does not permit the president to commit an act of war without congressional approval,” Massie said. Senator Bernie Sanders echoed that sentiment, warning Trump “must not take illegal military action.”
The conflict has also drawn in regional actors. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have pledged to support Iran “like Gaza,” claiming coordination with Tehran during the latest strikes. The Houthis, who previously launched sporadic rocket attacks at Israel, declared their first joint operation with Iran targeting Tel Aviv’s Jaffa district.
British Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the deployment of Typhoon fighter jets and other assets to the Middle East, claiming it was to reinforce de-escalation and regional security — though not to participate in Israeli strikes. “We have not played any part in the Israeli attacks on Iran,” Healey stated.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, praised Israel’s actions in unusually blunt terms. “Yes, it’s dirty work that Israel did there,” he told broadcaster ZDF. “But it’s dirty work for all of us.”
Images from inside bomb shelters in Israel reveal the fear gripping ordinary citizens, particularly in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv. In Iran, state media reported "continuous and intense explosions" in western Tehran, underscoring the reach and impact of Israel’s air campaign.
With no ceasefire in sight, the region teeters on the edge of a wider war. Trump’s deliberations in Washington could determine whether the U.S. is pulled directly into the conflict. While the Pentagon prepares contingency plans, pressure mounts from both domestic lawmakers and international allies to pursue restraint over retaliation.
As Trump’s next move looms, the world watches anxiously.
Tensions Explode: Israel-Iran Conflict Enters Fifth Day
Fighting between Israel and Iran has entered its fifth day, with both sides escalating military operations. Overnight, Israel launched coordinated strikes on western Iran and targets in Tehran. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed responsibility for killing Iran’s wartime chief, General Mohammad Bagheri, in what analysts describe as one of the most significant assassinations since the conflict began.
Iran responded swiftly. Its Revolutionary Guard confirmed multiple missile attacks on Israeli air bases, stating these would continue “in a sequential, complex, multi-layered and gradual manner.” Explosions were reported across Tel Aviv and Haifa, where air raid sirens sent residents scrambling for shelter. The Revolutionary Guard warned civilians to evacuate those cities, with a top Iranian general describing earlier strikes as "just a warning" and promising a "punitive operation soon."
Trump Weighs Strike, Warns Iran’s Supreme Leader
Trump’s rhetoric has only added fuel to the fire. He has reiterated his long-standing demand that Iran must never possess a nuclear weapon and made chilling suggestions that the U.S. could target Iran's supreme leader — though he noted it "won't, for now."
Tammy Bruce, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, emphasized that Trump has been “clear and consistent” about Iran’s nuclear ambitions. She also revealed that a Middle East task force has been activated to support American citizens and staff in the region. Travel warnings have been updated, urging U.S. nationals to avoid Israel, Iraq, and Iran altogether.
Meanwhile, bipartisan U.S. lawmakers are pushing back. A resolution introduced by Republican Rep. Thomas Massie and Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez seeks to bar Trump from launching unilateral military action. “The Constitution does not permit the president to commit an act of war without congressional approval,” Massie said. Senator Bernie Sanders echoed that sentiment, warning Trump “must not take illegal military action.”
Houthi Rebels Join the Fight
The conflict has also drawn in regional actors. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have pledged to support Iran “like Gaza,” claiming coordination with Tehran during the latest strikes. The Houthis, who previously launched sporadic rocket attacks at Israel, declared their first joint operation with Iran targeting Tel Aviv’s Jaffa district.
Europe Reacts: UK and Germany Issue Statements
British Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the deployment of Typhoon fighter jets and other assets to the Middle East, claiming it was to reinforce de-escalation and regional security — though not to participate in Israeli strikes. “We have not played any part in the Israeli attacks on Iran,” Healey stated.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, speaking at the G7 summit in Canada, praised Israel’s actions in unusually blunt terms. “Yes, it’s dirty work that Israel did there,” he told broadcaster ZDF. “But it’s dirty work for all of us.”
Inside the War Zone: Civilians in Shelter, Explosions in Tehran
Images from inside bomb shelters in Israel reveal the fear gripping ordinary citizens, particularly in Ramat Gan near Tel Aviv. In Iran, state media reported "continuous and intense explosions" in western Tehran, underscoring the reach and impact of Israel’s air campaign.
Where Does This Go Next?
With no ceasefire in sight, the region teeters on the edge of a wider war. Trump’s deliberations in Washington could determine whether the U.S. is pulled directly into the conflict. While the Pentagon prepares contingency plans, pressure mounts from both domestic lawmakers and international allies to pursue restraint over retaliation.
As Trump’s next move looms, the world watches anxiously.
