President Donald Trump is considering joining Israel’s strikes on Iran, including using bunker-busting bombs to target nuclear facilities deep underground. The discussions among top officials revolve around striking these targets without getting entangled in a full-scale war. Trump is focused on avoiding prolonging the conflict while being wary of getting involved in foreign conflicts. Allies have been informed that the US is waiting to assess Israel’s progress before deciding on involvement with US military assets.
As Trump contemplates his options, he emphasizes that a US strike does not necessarily mean full intervention in a foreign war. The possibility of decisive strikes without prolonging the conflict has been highlighted. However, concerns about potential consequences such as Iran retaliating, blocking the Strait of Hormuz, or accelerating nuclear weapon development post-strike have been raised by allies and sources. The debate continues on whether the US can strike Iran without being dragged into a long-term conflict.
Trump’s decision-making process involves consultations with key officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA director John Ratcliffe. The administration is working to present various options to the president while considering the intelligence related to Iran’s nuclear program and potential moves by Israel. Despite the pressure to take action, Trump remains cautious about avoiding a prolonged war and is determined to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The delicate balance between intervening and maintaining peace remains a significant challenge in the current geopolitical landscape.