The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran has brought fears of a wider regional or even world war to the fore once more. Missile strikes between the two continued overnight as rumours swirl that the United States is planning to intervene.
Israel has maintained that it is taking military action in response to Iran’s nuclear programme reaching close to maturity, with many analysts believing that only US weaponry is capable of severely damaging the country’s nuclear infrastructure. Earlier today, Donald Trump dismissed claims by the Wall Street Journal that he has approved plans for an attack on Iran but is holding off from giving the order to launch. So what do you think? Vote in our poll and join the debate in the comments section. Can’t see the poll below? Click here
The journal reported that senior aides were waiting to see if Tehran would abandon its nuclear ambitions but the president has dismissed the claims with a post on Truth Social.
He said: ” The Wall Street Journal has no idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran!”
On Tuesday, the US President held a meeting with his closest aides in which it was reported that a military strike was one of the things considered by defence chiefs.
US involvement could prove to be a significant chapter in geopolitical relations, threatening to further commit the country’s allies, including the UK, who has yet to take any direct defensive action of Israel during Iran’s latest round of attacks.
Today, White House Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Donald Trump would come to a conclusion regarding attacking Iran within weeks.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt relayed the message: “I will make my decision … within the next two weeks.”
The full quote from the US president reads: “Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”
Sir Keir Starmer has urged Donald Trump to step back from military action against Iran which could deepen the crisis in the Middle East.
The Prime Minister said there is a “real risk of escalation” in the conflict as he urged all sides to seek a diplomatic outcome.
He said there had previously been “several rounds of discussions with the US” and “that, to me, is the way to resolve this issue”.
The potential for conflict comes just weeks after the government released the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which sets out the way in which the UK would fight in any large scale war.
The report set out the need to increase the size of the country’s professional army whilst also increasing its readiness to absorb greater numbers of reserves and members of the public into the ranks to increase its ability to operate.