Kathmandu – The Middle East is once again in the global spotlight as rising tensions between Iran and Israel threaten to spiral into a wider regional conflict. With the United States now stepping in more assertively, the geopolitical situation is becoming increasingly volatile. U.S. President Donald Trump, having returned early from the G7 Summit in Canada, immediately convened a high-level National Security Council meeting at the White House to address the escalating crisis. Following the meeting, the U.S. announced plans to deploy additional fighter jets and B-52 bombers to the region.
Trump’s Stern Message and Military Preparations
In a strongly worded message posted on his social media platform Truth Social, President Trump directly warned Iran to surrender unconditionally. “We now have full control over Iran’s airspace. We know exactly where Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is hiding. It would be easy to reach him—but for now, we will not take him out,” he wrote. He later followed up with a blunt demand: “Unconditional surrender!”
The U.S. has indicated that ending Iran’s nuclear program remains a top priority. Reports suggest Washington is considering deploying bunker-buster bombs against Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility and may provide aerial refueling support to Israeli aircraft through tanker planes, if necessary.
Iran’s Response and Rising Casualties
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei responded swiftly via a post on the social media platform X, declaring that a war has already begun. He stated, “We must respond fiercely to the terrorist Jewish regime. We will show no mercy to the Zionists.”
According to reports, the conflict—now entering its sixth day—has already taken a significant toll. In Iran, 224 people have been killed and 1,481 injured. In Israel, the death toll stands at 24, with over 600 wounded.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that on the first day of the Israeli strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had discussed with President Trump the possibility of targeting Ayatollah Khamenei directly. Trump reportedly rejected the plan, leading to a shift in Israel’s strategy. Despite this, several of Khamenei’s top aides—including military chiefs, senior nuclear scientists, and political advisors—have been killed in recent strikes.
Global Reaction and Regional Instability
The rapidly worsening conflict has raised alarm internationally. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged an immediate ceasefire and called for diplomatic negotiations. Jordan’s King Abdullah warned that the war could destabilize the entire region.
One of the most immediate consequences of the conflict has been the spike in oil prices, which have surged by 7.5%. Economists warn that continued instability in the Middle East could ripple across the global economy, exacerbating inflation and supply chain issues.
The United States has so far maintained a largely defensive posture—intercepting missiles aimed at Israel—but the latest developments suggest a more aggressive shift. The bolstered U.S. military presence in the region and Trump’s explicit threats have added a new layer of urgency to the already tense situation.
