In brief
On June 19, 2025, an Iranian missile targeted the Soroka Medical Center in southern Israel, inflicting damage and injuring multiple patients during the recent surge of hostilities. President Trump announced he would take up to two weeks to decide whether the U.S. would join Israel’s military operations against Iran amidst rising tensions over Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Addressing reporters, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed Trump's determination to consider negotiations between the U.S. and Iran that could potentially affect future military actions.
The missile strike followed a series of retaliatory attacks from Iran, which began after Israel launched extensive airstrikes, including on Tehran itself, as part of its campaign to thwart Iranian nuclear development. As the conflict intensified, Trump’s comments seemed to afford the United States additional time to explore diplomatic avenues, amidst a scheduled meeting between European officials and Iranian representatives aimed at addressing the crisis.Iran's foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, asserted that discussions would focus on nuclear issues and regional developments. Leavitt made it clear that any agreement with Iran must ensure a halt to uranium enrichment and the development of nuclear weapons, reiterating Trump’s long-standing stance.
