United States President Donald Trump will determine whether to involve the U.S. in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict within the next two weeks, according to a statement from the White House. Speaking at a press briefing, the president’s press secretary conveyed Trump’s words directly to the press:
> “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 [to war] within the next two weeks.”
The announcement comes amid growing international anxiety following an Iranian missile attack on an Israeli hospital, which left over 200 injured. In response, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, issued a strong condemnation of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, declaring that he “can no longer be allowed to exist.”
Katz accused Khamenei of ordering the hospital strike and called for intensified military operations against Iranian targets, stating, “He considers the destruction of the state of Israel to be a goal. Such a man can no longer be allowed to exist.”
Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump had privately approved war plans targeting Iran, citing sources familiar with the deliberations. However, Trump has publicly refuted this, writing on his Truth Social platform: “The Wall Street Journal has no idea what my thoughts are concerning Iran.”
Still, in remarks to reporters, Trump appeared to signal limited patience with Iran, stating, “Maybe we won’t have to fight… I’m not looking to fight, but if it’s a choice between fighting and them having a nuclear weapon, you have to do what you have to do.”
Iran Issues Warning Against Third-Party Involvement
In response to the growing threat of foreign intervention, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a stark warning, promising an immediate and forceful reaction to any third-party nation that attempts to intervene in the conflict.
“In the event of a third party’s intervention in this aggression, they will be confronted immediately according to a specific plan,” the council said, without directly naming the U.S.
Europe Pushes for Diplomatic Resolution
As military rhetoric escalates, European powers are attempting to revive diplomatic engagement with Iran. The foreign ministers of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials in Geneva to discuss the country’s nuclear program.
The meetings will also involve EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. A European diplomat revealed that the goal is to secure concrete assurances that Iran’s nuclear program will remain strictly for civilian use.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed diplomacy, saying, “If a new situation were to arise, we would again be prepared to provide diplomatic assistance.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed his attendance, telling state media: “We will meet with the European delegation in Geneva on Friday.”
Russia, China, and North Korea Condemn Israel’s Actions
On the global stage, several major powers have condemned Israel’s recent strikes on Iran. In a phone call, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an immediate ceasefire, with Xi warning, “Armed force is not the correct way to resolve international disputes.”
North Korea also denounced the Israeli attacks, describing them as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and “a crime against humanity.” The regime further criticized Western nations, especially the United States, for enabling what it termed “Israeli aggression.”
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, issued a strong warning to Washington against any military action, calling it “an extremely dangerous step with truly unpredictable negative consequences.” Putin, when asked about the potential assassination of Khamenei, refused to entertain the scenario, stating, “I don’t even want to discuss such a possibility.”
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President Tinubu Commissions Major Projects in Kaduna, Lauds Governor Sani’s Leadership
Back home in Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned several key developmental projects in Kaduna State, marking the second anniversary of Governor Uba Sani’s administration.
Speaking at a ceremony organized in his honour, President Tinubu praised Governor Sani’s transformative leadership, saying:
> “We have seen a Governor Sani, an agent of change, stability, love, unity, and progress… He has changed the environment from toxic and uncontrollable to one of life, development, and peace.”
He expressed delight over the peaceful conditions in formerly restive areas like Birnin Gwari and applauded the state’s ongoing infrastructural and socio-economic improvements.
In a symbolic gesture, Tinubu also used the opportunity to correct an earlier omission by conferring a national honour (CFR) on Colonel Dangiwa Umar (rtd), a notable figure he failed to mention during his June 12 Democracy Day address.
Governor Uba Sani, in his remarks, detailed the achievements of his administration, including:
Reclamation of over 500,000 hectares of farmland
Reopening of schools and markets
Commissioning of a 300-bed specialist hospital
Construction of new classrooms and secondary schools
Launch of the Kaduna Light Rail Transit project
Establishment of a Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone
Financial inclusion efforts that have brought 2.5 million previously unbanked citizens into the formal economy
The governor commended President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and called on northern citizens to rally behind the president’s vision for national progress.
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This unfolding geopolitical and domestic landscape signals a pivotal moment for global diplomacy and regional stability, as world leaders grapple with the delicate balance between war and peace.
