New Delhi: In a significant development, the White House announced on Thursday that former U.S. President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether the United States will intervene in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump stated that the decision will depend on the potential for upcoming negotiations with Iran. “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” he said.
The announcement comes as the Israel-Iran conflict continues to escalate. On Thursday evening, a grenade was thrown at the residence of Norwegian Ambassador Per Egil Selvag in Tel Aviv. While no one was injured, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned the attack as a dangerous criminal act and assured that authorities would act swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the launch of a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks on military sites in Haifa and Tel Aviv. The IRGC stated that the new round of operations is focused on high-impact targets and includes the use of advanced ballistic missiles. Israeli defense officials disclosed that one of the missiles used by Iran carried multiple warheads, significantly increasing its destructive capability. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that Iran has so far fired more than 450 ballistic missiles and 1,000 drones, though two-thirds of Iran’s launchers have been destroyed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to the Soroka Medical Center in Beer Sheva—which was damaged in the Iranian missile attacks—acknowledged the toll the conflict is taking on the entire nation. The IRGC claimed the hospital vicinity was targeted due to the presence of an Israeli intelligence command center. In response, Israel’s defense leadership has instructed its forces to intensify strikes on Iranian strategic targets with the objective of destabilizing the Iranian regime.
Russia has strongly warned Israel against targeting Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, describing such a move as a potential catastrophe akin to the Chernobyl disaster. Russian officials expressed concern over the safety of their personnel working at the facility and reiterated their opposition to any strike on the nuclear site.
On the diplomatic front, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet representatives from three European nations in Geneva on Friday. The meeting aims to explore pathways to de-escalate the crisis. However, Iran has insisted it will not return to formal negotiations unless Israel halts its military offensives. According to diplomatic sources, Araghchi conveyed to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff that Iran could show flexibility on the nuclear issue if the United States urges Israel to cease its attacks.
Additionally, the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that Israel struck the Shahid Khondab heavy water complex and its research reactor in Arak. The facility was not operational at the time, and officials assured there would be no radiological consequences. Nevertheless, Tehran condemned the strike as a violation of international law.
Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the United States for its support during this crisis, stating in an interview with CNN that America is actively helping protect Israeli airspace. “They’re participating in the protection of the skies over Israel and its cities. I think it’s a remarkable cooperation,” he said.
As diplomatic efforts intensify behind the scenes, and military operations continue on both sides, Trump’s impending decision has the potential to significantly alter the course of the conflict. With backchannel talks between U.S. and Iranian officials ongoing, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the region veers toward de-escalation or deeper confrontation.
