Trump Warns Iran, Backs Israel as Conflict Escalates and Civilian Toll Mounts

Israel and Iran escalate into one of the most dangerous confrontations in recent Middle Eastern history, former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Tehran while expressing support for Israel’s military operations. Trump, addressing the conflict on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, promised that any attack on U.S. interests would trigger an unprecedented military response, stating, “If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before.”

The former president’s statement came amid rising fears of a broader regional war as both Iran and Israel exchanged strikes that have killed and injured dozens, including civilians and children, and prompted the cancellation of international flights to and from Israel.

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Trump Denies U.S. Role, Calls for Peace Between Iran and Israel

Despite acknowledging the United States’ role in intercepting Iranian missiles targeting Israel—confirmed by two U.S. officials—Trump denied Tehran’s accusations that Washington was actively participating in Israeli military operations. Instead, he projected optimism, claiming that a peace deal between Israel and Iran was possible and imminent.

“We will have PEACE, soon, between Israel and Iran! Many calls and meetings now taking place,” Trump posted, without giving specifics. In an interview with ABC News, he stated that “something like this had to happen,” referring to the escalating violence, and suggested that the conflict might, paradoxically, accelerate peace talks.

Trump also floated the idea of Russian President Vladimir Putin playing a role in mediating the conflict, though he did not detail how such an arrangement might function given the complex geopolitical realities. His assertion directly contradicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that the campaign against Iran would only intensify.

Canceled Talks and Nuclear Concerns

The latest blow to diplomacy came as a planned round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States was cancelled on Sunday, after Tehran declared it would not negotiate under the threat of Israeli airstrikes. Talks were set to take place in Oman, but the volatile security environment made progress impossible.

Trump, who has long criticized Iran’s nuclear ambitions, said the path to ending the war lies in Iran agreeing to strict limitations on its nuclear program—a demand Tehran has consistently rejected, insisting its program is for peaceful purposes.

Trump Reportedly Vetoes Israeli Plan to Kill Khamenei

In a development that could have further inflamed the situation, Reuters reported that Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to U.S. officials, Trump blocked the move, arguing there was no justification since Iran had not attacked American forces.

“Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do, we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership,” a senior U.S. official reportedly said.

Prime Minister Netanyahu refused to confirm or deny the report during a Fox News interview but said, “We do what we need to do,” implying that Israel’s actions are strategically calculated, regardless of American input.

Escalation on the Ground: Civilian Death Toll Rises

On the ground, the conflict has rapidly intensified. Israel launched “Operation Rising Lion” on Friday, a surprise offensive that reportedly targeted Iran’s military leadership and nuclear infrastructure. Iran responded with a barrage of missiles, some of which reached major Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa.

The civilian death toll is mounting on both sides. In Israel, at least 13 people, including children, have been killed, with more than a dozen injured following Iranian missile strikes. Rescue teams, aided by sniffer dogs and heavy machinery, are working around the clock to extract survivors from the rubble.

In Iran, the situation is even more devastating. Tehran reported at least 78 deaths on Friday alone, and a subsequent Israeli strike on Saturday leveled a 14-storey apartment building, killing 60 people, half of them children. Images from the Iranian capital showed massive fires at fuel depots targeted by Israeli airstrikes, raising concerns about global oil supply disruptions and severe damage to Iran’s economy.

Israel Hints at Regime Change, Urges Iranian Civilians to Evacuate

While Israel has stated its official objective is to dismantle Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities, Netanyahu did not rule out regime change as a possible outcome. “Could certainly be the result because the Iran regime is very weak,” he said.

The Israeli military has warned Iranian civilians living near suspected military or nuclear sites to evacuate immediately, hinting at further airstrikes. In return, Iran’s military has issued similar warnings to Israeli civilians, urging them to avoid government and military facilities.

El Al Grounds Flights, Travel Warnings Issued

The growing instability has affected civilian travel. El Al Airlines, Israel’s national carrier, announced the cancellation of all flights through June 19, citing closed airspace and escalating military threats. Flights to and from Europe have also been suspended until June 23.

Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) issued a Level 4 travel warning, urging citizens to avoid travel to Sinai (Egypt) and Jordan, even though both borders remain open.

World Leaders Call for Restraint

The escalation has prompted global concern. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on G7 leaders, meeting in Canada, to urgently address the situation and push for de-escalation. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations have urged both nations to avoid civilian targets and prioritize diplomacy over further aggression.

 Conflict at a Crossroads

As airstrikes continue and rhetoric hardens, the Israel-Iran conflict threatens to spiral into a broader regional war. Donald Trump’s dual approach—offering peace while warning of overwhelming force—mirrors the complexity of the crisis. With civilians bearing the brunt of military action, and diplomacy stalled, the world watches nervously as two historic adversaries edge closer to all-out war.