WASHINGTON (AP) – In a stark shift of rhetoric, President Donald Trump transitioned from suggesting that a nuclear agreement with Iran was still "achievable" to urging the residents of Tehran, approximately 9.5 million people, to evacuate for their safety. This drastic change occurred within a mere eight hours on Monday, prompting Trump to truncate his attendance at an international summit and head back to Washington for urgent discussions with his national security team.
Trump was expected to arrive at the White House early Tuesday during a critical juncture in his presidency. Israel has been conducting missile strikes for four consecutive days, inflicting substantial damage on Iran, and the Israeli leadership believes that they can deliver a long-term blow to Tehran's nuclear program, especially with potential support from Trump.
The prospect of deeper U.S. involvement, which may include supplying bunker-busting bombs to Israel to target deeply fortified Iranian nuclear facilities or providing other forms of military support, carries significant political risks for the president. Nevertheless, Trump appears to be laying the groundwork for increased American engagement in the conflict.
Prior to the announcement of his return to Washington, Trump expressed on social media, "Iran should have signed the 'deal' I told them to sign. What a shame, and waste of human life. Simply stated, IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON. I said it over and over again! Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran!" This statement came just before the White House disclosed that Trump would be cutting short his participation in the G7 summit held in the Canadian Rockies.
The United States has repositioned military assets, including warships and aircraft, in the region in anticipation of potential escalations in the Israel-Iran conflict. Speculation regarding Trump's inclination toward more direct involvement is on the rise. Israeli officials have reported that their military actions have effectively disabled Iran's air defenses, enabling them to strike across Iranian territory at will. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that the campaign will persist until both Iran’s nuclear program and ballistic missiles are dismantled.
Despite targeting multiple sites associated with Iran's nuclear program, Israel has yet to neutralize the Fordo uranium enrichment facility, which is located deep underground. To accomplish this, Israel would likely require the U.S.-made GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a 30,000-pound munition designed for penetrating fortified targets before detonating. Unfortunately, Israel lacks both the munition and the necessary B-2 stealth bomber to deploy it.
While Iranian retaliatory strikes have not severely impacted Israeli defenses, some missiles have managed to penetrate, resulting in casualties. Soon after Trump's announcement to return to D.C., the White House sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for a live appearance on Fox News, fueling further speculation about an increase in U.S. military involvement in the conflict.
During the Fox News segment, Hegseth affirmed that Trump remains committed to achieving a deal that would limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He stated, "What you’re watching in real-time is peace through strength and America first. Our job is to be strong." Meanwhile, Trump maintained his push for negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program, insisting, "They should talk, and they should talk immediately." He characterized the current situation as unfavorable for Iran, stating, “I’d say Iran is not winning this war.”
Despite his push for negotiations, Trump has also displayed restraint against Israeli military strategies, notably rejecting a proposal to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The plan was communicated to the Trump administration by Israeli officials but was ultimately opposed by Trump.
In light of rising tensions, a noticeable schism is emerging within Trump's base, particularly among his MAGA supporters. Some, including prominent conservative figures like Tucker Carlson, have cautioned against further U.S. involvement, claiming it would betray the principles that attracted voters who opposed entanglement in foreign conflicts. In response, Trump dismissed Carlson's comments, suggesting the pundit should create his own television network to voice his opinions more effectively.
Nonetheless, some of Trump's allies, such as Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, advocate for an all-out support of Israel, arguing that this is Trump's opportunity to decisively confront Iran. Graham expressed appreciation for Trump's ongoing efforts toward peace but emphasized the need for committed partners in the negotiation process, declaring, "Iran played the same old game with the wrong guy."
