President Donald Trump issued a sobering warning Thursday, suggesting that a military strike by Israel against Iran is not only possible—but increasingly likely. “It’s not something I want,” Trump said. “But it could very well happen.” His remarks come as the region braces for potential escalation, with U.S. officials quietly evacuating some embassy personnel across the Middle East.
NEW: Trump says an Israeli strike on Iran is “something that could very well happen.” pic.twitter.com/WicHnlXuzi
— Kassy Akiva (@KassyAkiva) June 12, 2025
Trump’s comments followed renewed intelligence assessments showing Iran ramping up uranium enrichment near weapons-grade levels and expanding operations at undisclosed sites—moves widely condemned by international watchdogs. Israel has publicly warned it will not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran, and sources inside the White House suggest Jerusalem is preparing for unilateral action if diplomacy stalls.
The president stressed that the United States is not seeking war, nor would it directly participate in a strike. But he made clear that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are a red line. “Iran cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Period,” Trump stated. “We’re working hard to avoid conflict, but we’re also not going to be naive.”
Backchannel negotiations—brokered by intermediaries in Oman—are reportedly ongoing, but several senior administration officials admitted time is running out. The latest round of talks has failed to produce a breakthrough, and Iran has rebuffed calls to freeze enrichment while discussions continue.
Trump’s warning wasn’t idle speculation. According to military sources, Israel has repositioned key assets and intensified coordination with regional allies in preparation for possible preemptive action. While Tel Aviv has not formally declared intent to strike, analysts say it is closer than ever to doing so.
The situation remains volatile. Defense analysts warn that an Israeli operation would likely provoke retaliation from Iranian proxy groups across Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq—potentially pulling the U.S. and its allies into a broader regional conflict.
For now, Trump insists he still favors a diplomatic off-ramp—but made it crystal clear that any deal must end Iran’s nuclear threat, once and for all.
“This is not just about Israel,” he said. “This is about global security.”