[Source/Observer Network Qi Qian] At present, the conflict between Israel and Iran has entered a critical moment. Whether the US military will join the Israeli military in a military operation against Iran has drawn global attention. However, so far, US President Trump has continued to keep the world guessing, creating a "confusing formation," with no clear words.

According to Reuters, earlier on June 18 local time, when Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House, he continued to refuse to reveal whether he had made his final decision, and said that "no one knows what I will do." Later on the same evening, Trump told CNN in the Oval Office of the White House that he had already figured out how to handle it but "likes to make the final decision at the last second before the deadline."

On the same day, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had informed senior aides that he had approved an attack plan for Iran, but he would not issue a final order to observe whether Iran would abandon its nuclear program.

Trump: No One Knows What I Will Do

"I may join or I may not. I mean, no one knows what I will do," Trump responded that day.

Trump expressed that Iranian officials hope to come to Washington for talks, and "we might do that," which brought a glimmer of hope for negotiations. He added, however, that it was "a bit late" for such talks now.

When asked if he thought the Iranian government would collapse, Trump said, "Of course, anything can happen."

Talking about the possibility of destroying or dismantling Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, Trump stated, "We are the only ones capable of doing that. But it doesn't mean I will do it."

It is known that Iran's Fordow underground nuclear facility is located 90 meters underground, with thousands of uranium enrichment centrifuges inside. Israel's conventional weapons cannot strike targets at such depths; thus, to destroy this facility by air, U.S. military intervention is required.

Fordow Underground Nuclear Facility in Iran CCTV News

CNN mentioned that Trump also said that as of the afternoon of June 18, he had not yet made a final decision on whether the United States might intervene in the conflict between Israel and Iran, and added that he would soon gather a team in the White House Situation Room to discuss various options with senior officials.

"I've figured out what to do, but I haven't made the final decision yet," Trump told CNN reporters. "I like to make the final decision at the last second before the deadline because the situation changes rapidly." He continued, "I mean, especially during wartime, situations change with the war, possibly moving from one extreme to another."

Trump elaborated on some of his thoughts, expressing interest in using U.S. military assets to strike Iran's nuclear facilities.

"It started on the first night," Trump said, talking about the Israeli bombing of Iran last Friday. "The first night was devastating; it really crushed one side. That night was devastating, and so was that day. Things basically developed this way. I will have a meeting in the Situation Room later. So we will meet, and we will see. We are currently in negotiations."

When asked what would happen if the Iranian regime collapsed, Trump said, "I have plans for everything, but we will see what happens. There is still a long way to go." He reiterated that Iran "should" reach a nuclear agreement.

Trump again hinted that Iran wants to meet and "hopes to come to the White House." However, Iran's Permanent Mission to the United Nations released a statement earlier responding to Trump's claim that Iran officials are in contact with the U.S., saying that no Iranian official has ever "kowtowed" at the door of the White House.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on the same day, sources familiar with the matter revealed that Trump told senior aides on the evening of June 17 that he had approved an attack plan for Iran but temporarily took no action to observe whether Iran would abandon its nuclear program. It was reported that Iran's heavily guarded Fordow uranium enrichment facility could be a target for the U.S. Military experts generally believe that only the most powerful missiles could destroy it.

When asked if he had decided to strike Iran's nuclear facilities, Trump replied, "I might do it, or I might not." He also reiterated his insistence on Iran's unconditional surrender: "Next week will be very important, perhaps within less than a week."

A German diplomatic source told Reuters that the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Britain plan to hold nuclear negotiations with Iran's foreign minister in Geneva on June 20. It was revealed that these negotiations were coordinated by the U.S. and aimed to persuade Iran to firmly guarantee that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.

Trump gave a speech outside the White House on the morning of June 18, White House Video Screenshot

The ongoing deterioration of the Israel-Iran conflict makes U.S. participation a key factor

On June 18 local time, the conflict between Israel and Iran entered its sixth day. Israel bombed Iran's oil, gas facilities, nuclear facilities, and missile launch sites, while Iran retaliated against Haifa, Israel, destroying a power station and an oil refinery.

In recent days, Israel has bombed Tehran, forcing many residents of Tehran to evacuate their homes. According to data from international human rights organizations cited by Reuters, the ongoing clashes between Israel and Iran have resulted in over 450 deaths in Iran and 24 deaths in Israel.

The Israeli military said on June 18 that in the past 24 hours, dozens of Israeli aircraft conducted three waves of attacks on Tehran and its surrounding areas as well as targets in western Iran, targeting places where materials, components, and manufacturing systems for missiles are produced. The military spokesman stated, "Our focus is on Tehran. One of our targets was a centrifuge manufacturing base, which is crucial to Iran's uranium enrichment activities."

Israel also stated that since last Friday, Iran has fired approximately 400 missiles at Israel, with about 40 penetrating the air defense system.

Reuters reported that Iran has been exploring various countermeasures, including covertly threatening to restrict access through the Strait of Hormuz (the world's most important oil transport artery) into the Gulf region, thereby striking the global oil market. Domestically, the Iranian government is striving to prevent panic and shortages, stating that temporary restrictions on internet access will be implemented to help prevent "enemy threats to citizens' lives and property."

Currently, the conflict between Israel and Iran has reached a critical moment. US President Trump continues to issue belligerent statements, demanding that Iran "unconditionally surrender." Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei retaliated, stating that Iran would not surrender and warned that any U.S. military intervention would bring irreversible consequences.

Khamenei released a video statement to counter the U.S. and Israel, Video Screenshot

The report mentioned that recently, the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Middle East. A third U.S. Navy destroyer has entered the eastern Mediterranean, and a second U.S. carrier strike group is heading toward the Arabian Sea. Although the Pentagon claims that this military buildup is purely for defensive purposes, if Trump decides to join Israel in attacking Iran, it will put the U.S. in a more advantageous position. This might also be a strategy to force Iran to yield or make concessions.

"The U.S. may be sliding into another Middle Eastern war, and no one is discussing how it will end," CNN pointed out in its report on June 18. The past一段段 history may be repeated, and Trump is being driven by current developments, concerns about the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and the pressure to follow through on his own words, potentially being swept up in the Middle East conflict without any assurance of getting out unscathed.

The report believes that Trump is on the brink of a high-stakes gamble that will deny his own political principles. If this war against Iran occurs, it will mean that Trump has ignored the large wave of opposition from the "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) camp. This "America First" president will become the kind of interventionist he despises.

Notably, Trump has mentioned the possibility of regime change in Iran several times recently. In response, French President Macron warned at the G7 summit on June 17 that violent overthrow of the Iranian regime could destabilize the entire Middle East.

On June 18, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiaqun presided over a regular press conference. A foreign journalist asked, "US President Trump said on social media that Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei is an easy target to attack, but it is not a target for now, and demanded that Iran unconditionally surrender. What is China's comment on these threats against sovereign states or leaders?"

Guo Jiaqun expressed that China is deeply concerned about the current situation and strongly opposes any actions that violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, infringe upon the sovereignty and security of other countries, and their territorial integrity.

"Further escalation of the situation in the Middle East does not benefit any party. Countries with special influence on Israel should uphold an objective and fair stance and take on their due responsibilities to play a positive and constructive role in easing tensions and avoiding the expansion of conflicts," he said.

This article is an exclusive piece by Observer Network and unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

Original Source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7517451778058404362/

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