The Israeli strike is reportedly being prepared without U.S. support, while Iran is said to be planning a retaliatory barrage of hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting Israel
On June 12, 2025, U.S. officials confirmed that Israel is “fully ready” to launch a military strike against Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to Haaretz. The move, reportedly planned without U.S. support, comes as Iran prepares a retaliatory attack involving hundreds of ballistic missiles targeting Israel. The New York Times and Reuters note that the U.S. has withdrawn diplomats from Iraq and authorized the departure of military families from the region due to fears of escalation. Posts on X reflect global concern, highlighting the risk of a broader conflict as nuclear talks falter.
The situation follows strained U.S.-Iran negotiations, with President Trump expressing doubts about a nuclear deal, per Haaretz. Israel’s preparations, including air force exercises and new U.S.-supplied munitions, signal heightened readiness, as reported by Kan News. The potential for mutual strikes raises fears of regional instability.
Trump said he would “love to avoid a conflict” with Iran, but added that Tehran must offer greater concessions in ongoing negotiations over its nuclear program. “It’s very simple, not complicated. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he said during a bill signing ceremony at the White House. “Iran has to give us some things they’re not willing to give us right now.”
Asked whether he was trying to prevent Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from launching a military operation, Trump said the U.S. has had “very good discussions” with Iran and made clear he opposed an Israeli strike for now. “It would blow it. It might help it, actually. But it could also blow it,” he said of the potential impact on diplomacy.