President Donald Trump issued a stark warning that the United States could become directly involved in the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, a situation that has gripped the Middle East with unprecedented tension.
The statement, made in an interview with ABC News, comes amid a third consecutive day of intense airstrikes and missile exchanges between the two nations, marking some of the most direct and prolonged hostilities in their history.
The conflict intensified following Israel’s large-scale military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, which began on June 13, 2025.
Israel’s strikes have hit critical sites, including Iran’s energy facilities and defense ministry headquarters, with a fuel depot near Tehran left ablaze.
In retaliation, Iran launched waves of ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, resulting in casualties and widespread disruption.
Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system has been actively intercepting incoming missiles, but the scale of the attacks has strained regional stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that the assault will continue “as many days as it takes” to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile threats, which he deems existential dangers to Israel.
Iran, meanwhile, has accused the United States of complicity in Israel’s attacks, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi claiming the operations could not have proceeded without U.S. support.
President Trump has publicly distanced the U.S. from direct involvement in Israel’s operations, emphasizing in a Truth Social post on June 15 that the U.S. “had nothing to do with” the attacks on Iran.
However, he warned Iran against targeting American interests, 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.”
Despite this, Trump expressed optimism about a diplomatic resolution, suggesting that a deal to end the “bloody conflict” between Israel and Iran is achievable.
In his ABC News interview, Trump acknowledged the possibility of U.S. involvement, stating, “It’s possible we could get involved,” while reiterating his hope for “peace soon.”
He also revealed discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, exploring mediation possibilities to de-escalate the crisis.
These talks come in the wake of canceled U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations in Oman, which were derailed by the ongoing hostilities.
Trump’s statements have sparked varied responses. Within the U.S., some Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have urged the administration to “go all-in” to support Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.
However, divisions within Trump’s base are evident, with conservative figures like Tucker Carlson warning against U.S. entanglement in a conflict that may not serve American interests.
Internationally, leaders such as British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have called for restraint, citing the risk of broader regional instability.
European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen labeled Iran as the “main source of regional instability” while affirming Israel’s right to self-defense. Iran, meanwhile, has sought mediation through Oman and Qatar, signaling a desire to avoid further escalation.