President Donald Trump has reportedly approved preliminary plans for a military strike on Iran, though he has yet to give final authorization—a move that has heightened international alarm over the possibility of a wider regional war.
Citing a senior U.S. intelligence official, several American news outlets report that the proposed operation could target Iran’s fortified Fordo nuclear facility, one of the regime’s most heavily guarded sites. Speaking on his social media platform, Trump hinted at imminent action: “Unconditional surrender—that means I’ve had it,” he declared, adding ambiguity to Washington’s next move.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded defiantly, stating in a televised address that Tehran would not yield under military pressure. “The Iranian nation will not surrender,” he said, vowing a strong and painful response if attacked.
Legal and diplomatic backlash quickly followed. Former Nigerian Foreign Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi criticized Trump’s public threats, calling them a breach of both U.S. and international law. “What does it mean for the U.S. president to say ‘we know where you are’ to a sitting head of state?” Akinyemi asked in an interview with ARISE News.
Meanwhile, Israel has launched a new wave of strikes on Iranian military and nuclear targets, claiming it now controls the airspace over Tehran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, “We are striking the regime of the ayatollahs with tremendous force,” further intensifying the conflict.
The violence has triggered mass displacement in Tehran, with thousands reportedly fleeing the capital. In Israel, the U.S. embassy issued evacuation advisories to American nationals. According to Human Rights Activists, a Washington-based NGO, at least 585 Iranians have died since the Israeli offensive began, including 239 civilians. Iranian missile strikes have reportedly killed 24 civilians in Israel, according to Tel Aviv officials.
In response to the escalating situation, the U.S. military is increasing its presence in the region. The USS Nimitz strike group is en route to join the USS Carl Vinson, while advanced fighter jets including F-22s and F-35s are being deployed. Pentagon officials confirmed that all forces are on standby, awaiting any potential order from the president.
Although Washington has not formally requested access to British military bases in Diego Garcia or Cyprus, diplomatic sources say “all options remain on the table.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Washington this week, with the Iran crisis set to dominate the agenda.
