President Donald Trump has signaled the U.S. may intervene in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, a potential pivot from his campaign pledge to avoid new wars. In an ABC News interview on June 15, Trump said it’s “possible” the U.S. could act on Israel’s request for military support against Iran’s nuclear sites, though he stressed no U.S. forces are currently engaged. The remarks come as Israel and Iran trade missile strikes for the fourth day, driving up oil prices and raising fears of a wider regional war.
Conflict Intensifies with Heavy Toll
The conflict erupted on June 13 when Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, including the Natanz facility and Shahran oil depot, per Reuters. Iran retaliated with ballistic missile barrages on Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem, using Emad and Kheybar Shekan missiles, according to CNN. At least 224 people, mostly civilians, have died in Iran, with over 1,400 injured, Iran’s health ministry reports. In Israel, 18 fatalities and hundreds of injuries have been recorded, with a Bat Yam strike killing four, per Reuters.
Infrastructure damage is severe. Israeli strikes have disrupted Iran’s energy sector, sparking fires and mass evacuations in Tehran, while Iranian missiles have impaired Israel’s power grid, raising electrocution risks, according to CNN.
Oil Prices Surge Amid Supply Fears
The targeting of Iran’s energy facilities, including the South Pars gas field, has jolted global markets. Brent crude futures rose 1.4% to $75.39 per barrel on June 15, following a 7% jump, per Reuters. Analysts warn of sustained supply disruptions, with gasoline prices poised to climb, impacting global economies, as noted by Washington Post.
Trump’s Stance Sparks Debate
Trump’s openness to involvement follows his praise of Israel’s strikes as “excellent” and a warning of “more to come,” per ABC News. He has urged Iran to negotiate a nuclear deal, threatening severe consequences otherwise, according to TIME. Yet, he rejected an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to avoid escalation. His suggestion that Russia’s Vladimir Putin could mediate lacks confirmation, raising skepticism, per ABC News.
The U.S. has provided defensive support, helping intercept Iranian missiles targeting Israel, as confirmed by Washington Post. Nuclear talks with Iran, planned in Oman, were canceled, per TIME. Trump’s rhetoric has divided his base, with some questioning the risk of another Middle East entanglement, per Al Jazeera.
Global Diplomacy Stalls
At the G7 summit in Canada, leaders prioritized de-escalation and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, per BBC News. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed Israel’s right to self-defense and the need for diplomacy, per Reuters. Iran’s refusal to entertain ceasefire talks amid ongoing attacks has hindered progress, per Reuters.
Regional Ripples
The conflict extends regionally. Israel struck Houthi targets in Yemen’s Hodeidah and as-Salif ports, responding to Houthi missile attacks, per Al Jazeera. In Gaza, the humanitarian crisis worsens, with UNRWA reporting 55,104 Palestinian deaths and 127,394 injuries from October 2023 to June 11, 2025, per UNRWA.
Outlook
With no ceasefire imminent, the Israel-Iran conflict risks spiraling into a broader war. Trump’s potential involvement could redefine U.S. engagement in the Middle East, testing his administration’s foreign policy. As civilian casualties mount and energy markets reel, the G7 and other global actors face urgent pressure to broker peace, though diplomatic pathways remain elusive. The coming days will be critical for military and diplomatic developments.
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