Kathmandu — As the Iran-Israel conflict intensifies and threatens broader instability across the Middle East, global diplomatic efforts are accelerating. While the United States evaluates possible military involvement, European nations are prioritizing dialogue to de-escalate the situation.
Last week’s Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities set off a chain of retaliatory actions, raising fears of a regional war. U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to return to negotiations but insists on unconditional surrender — a condition Iran firmly rejects.
Despite sustained attacks from Israel, Iran has shown interest in talks, though not under Trump’s terms. Against this backdrop, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany are stepping in with a diplomatic push.
On Friday, foreign ministers from the three European countries are scheduled to meet their Iranian counterparts in Geneva, Switzerland, aiming for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
Europe Seeks Diplomatic Solution Amid U.S. Military Deliberations
President Trump has given his administration a two-week timeframe to decide on potential U.S. involvement in the conflict. The European negotiations are set to begin a day after this announcement — a move seen by analysts as a timely effort to prevent a broader war.
Israel has continued its offensive, targeting Iranian nuclear infrastructure in Natanz and other sites. While some facilities have sustained damage, the fortified Fordow site remains untouched.
Fordow, buried hundreds of feet underground, is considered immune to conventional strikes. Israel has formally requested U.S. assistance to disable this facility.
Israel Eyes U.S. Bunker-Busting Bombs for Fordow Strike
Military experts state that only the U.S. has the capability to destroy such deep underground bunkers without using nuclear weapons. This would involve deploying the GBU-57 — a 14-ton “bunker-buster” bomb, the largest non-nuclear weapon in the U.S. arsenal.
A single bomb would be insufficient. Multiple successive strikes would be required, and Israel lacks the aircraft to deliver them. Only the U.S. B-2 stealth bomber is capable of carrying and deploying the GBU-57.
As a result, Israel is seeking direct American military support. President Trump is reportedly open to the idea, though no military action has yet been taken.
