Tensions between the US, Iran, and Israel continue to escalate as the conflict between Israel and Iran enters its seventh day. The US has reportedly approved plans to attack Iran, but President Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision.
A senior intelligence source revealed to CBS News that Trump is considering striking Fordow, an underground uranium enrichment facility in Iran. The decision comes after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, rejected Trump’s call for unconditional surrender on Wednesday.
Khamenei criticized Trump in a pre-recorded speech, stating that “US military intervention” would be met with consequences, and that “the Iranian nation will not surrender.” Trump responded by saying “good luck” but refused to disclose his plans, stating that “nobody knows what I’ll do.”
The Israeli military has continued its attacks on Iran, targeting missile bases and nuclear facilities. Iran has retaliated with supersonic missile strikes, but there have been no reports of significant damage in Israel. The Iranian delegation to the United Nations mocked Trump on X, saying that “Iran will not negotiate under pressure, will not accept peace under pressure, and certainly will not surrender to warmongers.”
Escalating Military Presence
The US has been bolstering its military presence in the Middle East. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier strike group is heading to the region from Southeast Asia to join the USS Carl Vinson, which is already in the Persian Gulf. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Pentagon is ready to follow Trump’s orders.
Diplomatic Efforts
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is set to meet with UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in Washington D.C. on Thursday to discuss Iran. The US has not yet formally requested to use British bases on Diego Garcia or Cyprus for a potential attack on Iran. A UK source said that the US has “all options on the table” but its intentions remain unclear.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to a Washington D.C.-based human rights group, at least 585 people have been killed in Israel’s attacks on Iran since Friday, including 239 civilians and 126 security personnel. In response, Iran has launched around 400 missiles at Israel, killing 24 civilians.
Sources: BBC