U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering supporting Israeli military action targeting Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, according to CBS News, the BBC’s U.S. media partner. The development comes as hostilities between Israel and Iran stretch into a sixth day of cross-border fire.
Trump has called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender” amid escalating tensions, and claimed during a press statement that he knows the location of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei but has chosen not to authorize an assassination “for now.” His remarks have sparked international concern over the possible expansion of the conflict.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader vowed not to compromise with Israel, promising to show “no mercy” as the military standoff intensifies. Khamenei’s statement followed Israeli claims of successful strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure and military assets.
According to Israeli officials, their forces targeted a centrifuge facility in Tehran during an overnight barrage, along with several weapons depots believed to be part of Iran’s arms supply network. These strikes are part of a larger operation aimed at disabling Iran’s nuclear development capacity.
Iran responded with missile launches aimed at Israeli territory, but the scope and intensity of the retaliation appeared limited compared to previous nights. Air raid sirens sounded twice overnight in Israeli cities, but no large-scale damage or casualties were reported.
BBC correspondent Hugo Bachega noted a visible reduction in the scale of Iran’s retaliatory attacks, suggesting that Tehran may be reassessing its military approach under mounting pressure. However, military analysts caution that the situation remains volatile and could shift rapidly.
Tensions in the region have steadily risen since last week, when a suspected Israeli strike reportedly hit an Iranian military convoy near the Syrian border. Since then, both countries have exchanged missile fire almost daily, raising fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
The Fordo nuclear site, one of Iran’s most fortified facilities, remains a key concern for Israeli defense planners. The site, built deep underground near Qom, is believed to be central to Iran’s uranium enrichment program. Israeli officials have not confirmed whether Fordo was targeted directly.
As military actions escalate, international leaders have urged restraint, warning that further escalation could destabilize the region. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, though diplomatic efforts so far have yielded no significant breakthroughs.
While Trump has not officially re-entered the White House, his influence remains strong among conservative U.S. policymakers and military strategists. His public alignment with Israeli objectives could shape future American policy toward Iran, particularly if the 2024 election results are disputed or reversed.
As both nations continue to trade fire, global attention remains fixed on the potential for a full-scale regional war. For now, Israel and Iran appear locked in a cycle of provocation and retaliation, with few signs of immediate de-escalation.
