Camilla Jessen
No decision made as of Tuesday night, but US prepares military assets; Iranian response expected if strike proceeds.
US President Donald Trump held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his National Security Council on Tuesday night as Washington considers joining Israel’s military campaign against Iran.
The Wall Street Journal reports that no final decision has been made, but one option discussed includes a potential US strike on Iran’s underground nuclear facilities.
Growing US Military Presence in the Region
As discussions continue, the US is reinforcing its military posture in the Middle East.
According to several US officials cited by Reuters and The New York Times, additional fighter jets and refueling planes are being deployed, and two aircraft carriers, including the USS Nimitz, are heading toward the region.
Over 40,000 American troops stationed in the area have been placed on high alert.
The US is also reportedly sending more than 30 refueling aircraft to Europe and has closed its embassies in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv until Friday, citing security concerns.
Trump Demands “Unconditional Surrender”
In a public statement Tuesday, Trump declared that he was seeking Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” adding that the US was holding off on assassinating Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei “for now.”
The president is said to be weighing his options, hoping Iran might yet agree to dismantle its nuclear program peacefully.
Macron, meanwhile, confirmed that Trump had made a ceasefire proposal during the G7 summit, which the US president left early to return to Washington for further consultations.
Potential US Role in Israeli Operations
US officials told The New York Times that Israel may require American support to significantly damage Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
In particular, they pointed to the Fordo nuclear facility—buried deep within a mountain—as a potential target that could require US B-2 bombers and Massive Ordnance Penetrators to destroy.
While one senior Israeli military source claimed Israel has its own plan for Fordo, the extent of its capability to execute such a strike without US help remains unclear.
Iran Prepares for Retaliation
If the US does join the conflict, Iranian officials warned that American bases across the Middle East would be targeted.
Iran has moved missile launchers into position, and strikes could begin with US bases in Iraq but may extend to other countries such as Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE.
The Strait of Hormuz is also a concern.
The Times reported that Iran could deploy naval mines to block US vessels. Satellite images show that US Navy ships have been dispersed from the dock at Bahrain’s 5th Fleet headquarters—a precaution often used during heightened military tensions.
Risk of Wider Regional Escalation
Iranian-backed militias across the region are also expected to become active if the US joins Israel in military strikes.
Groups in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen may resume or intensify attacks on American forces and assets.
The Houthi militia in Yemen, despite a truce with the US, has continued to fire at Israel and could increase activity in the Red Sea.
Hezbollah, traditionally a key Iranian ally, has remained on the sidelines following a costly war with Israel that diminished its operational strength.
Israel launched its military operation six days ago, aiming to eliminate what it calls an existential threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Iran, which denies its nuclear program has military goals, has retaliated with massive drone and missile attacks.