Israel Expands Strikes Inside Iran as Trump Weighs U.S. Military Action
WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump is holding off on a final decision to launch military strikes against Iran, despite having approved a battle plan targeting the country’s nuclear infrastructure. The move comes as Israel conducts intensified aerial attacks in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Arak, and Khandab.
The Israeli military confirmed late Wednesday that it had initiated “a wave of attacks” across Iran, specifically targeting locations it identified as military infrastructure. Air raid sirens sounded in the capital as explosions lit up the night sky. Residents in Arak and Khandab were ordered to evacuate ahead of planned strikes.
Trump, speaking to reporters earlier, kept his intentions ambiguous. “I may do it, I may not do it,” he said. “Nobody knows what I want to do. But I can say this Iran’s got a lot of trouble and wants to negotiate.”
U.S. Assets on the Move
As the situation escalates, the Pentagon has deployed key military resources to the Middle East. The USS Nimitz aircraft carrier has been redirected from the South China Sea toward the region, flanked by guided missile destroyers. Multiple U.S. warships are already stationed in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, supporting Israeli defense operations and reportedly assisting in intercepting Iranian projectiles.
At least 30 U.S. aerial tankers have been transferred from domestic bases to Europe in recent days. These aircraft support in-flight refueling for bombers and fighters. Fighter jets including the F-16, F-22, and F-35 have been relocated to undisclosed bases in the region.
The U.S. maintains a military presence of approximately 40,000 troops across the Middle East. Officials have not announced a troop deployment to Iran and emphasize that any potential strike would likely be aerial.
Focus on Fordo Nuclear Facility
Sources confirm that any U.S. strike would likely focus on Iran’s Fordo uranium enrichment site, located about 60 miles south of Tehran. Fordo is buried 80 to 90 meters underground, far beyond the reach of Israeli munitions. Only the U.S. possesses “bunker buster” bombs capable of destroying it.
Intelligence indicates that Fordo houses key centrifuge tunnels used to enrich uranium. A senior U.S. security analyst stated that repeated “bunker buster” strikes could cause the surrounding mountain to collapse, rendering the site unusable.
The Fordo site was revealed by Western intelligence in 2009 and is considered essential to Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Analysts believe the potential U.S. operation would aim to dismantle this facility without deploying ground troops.
Diplomatic and Political Fallout
Iran’s leadership has responded with defiance. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned Trump of “irreparable harm” if the U.S. joins Israeli strikes. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is scheduled to meet with European officials in Geneva on Friday, with talks expected to focus on de-escalation.
In Washington, U.S. lawmakers remain cautious. Senator Tim Kaine voiced strong opposition to any direct American involvement. “They need to defend themselves but not try to buffalo the United States into a war that would be a catastrophe,” Kaine said.
Kaine, a member of both the Foreign Relations and Armed Services committees, emphasized that Congress has not authorized war. “I’m not willing to risk Virginians’ lives or Americans’ lives on a fool’s errand,” he added.
Trump’s allies have remained largely silent on Capitol Hill, with no war resolution introduced. Public opinion polls reflect low support for American entry into another Middle East conflict.
International Response and Uncertainty
Russia has also weighed in. President Vladimir Putin declined to discuss the possibility of Khamenei being targeted, telling reporters in St. Petersburg, “I do not even want to discuss this possibility.” He confirmed that Iran had not formally asked Moscow for assistance.
The global community is now watching closely. Military analysts warn that a U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities could provoke retaliation on American assets in the region. Iran has previously threatened to target U.S. bases if attacked.
Meanwhile, civilians in both countries brace for further escalation. Emergency alerts continue in Tehran, and the full extent of Israeli damage to Iranian infrastructure is still being assessed.
With the decision now resting with President Trump, the United States stands at the edge of a major military confrontation one that could redraw strategic lines in the Middle East.
