President Trump’s national security team concluded a tense crisis meeting Tuesday amid escalating violence between Israel and Iran. Trump’s recent claims of US control over Iranian airspace and threats against Iran’s Supreme Leader deepen concerns over potential US military intervention, while progressive voices call for restraint and diplomacy.

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Trump’s White House Crisis Meeting: Weighing War or Diplomacy

Washington, D.C.—As the Israel-Iran conflict intensifies, President Donald Trump convened his national security team for a crisis meeting lasting over an hour Tuesday afternoon to discuss possible US involvement in the ongoing war. The meeting focused on whether to join Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including the underground Fordow enrichment site, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump posted on social media, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran,” marking a sharp departure from previous US statements that Israel’s offensive was unilateral and without American involvement. CBS News has sought clarification from the White House regarding what the president meant by “we,” highlighting the confusion surrounding US engagement.

Trump’s Escalatory Rhetoric Raises Alarms

In his posts, Trump boasted about the superiority of American military technology, stating, “Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn’t compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured ‘stuff.’ Nobody does it better than the good ol’ USA.” While the Israeli military relies heavily on US-made aircraft and weapons systems, Washington has officially maintained that it is not directly participating in Israel’s strikes.

Further escalating tensions, Trump issued a chilling warning about Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei: “We know exactly where the so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there — We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.” He added a minute later, “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!” The White House has not elaborated on these statements, fueling speculation about possible covert plans.

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— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2025

Israel’s Aggression and the Human Toll

Since June 13, Israel has launched multiple waves of attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites, claiming to prevent Iran from crossing the “point of no return” in developing nuclear weapons. The strikes have caused at least 224 deaths and 1,800 injuries in Iran, according to Tehran’s Ministry of Health.

Iran responded with “Operation True Promise 3,” firing missiles and drones into Israeli territory, resulting in dozens of casualties. The ongoing exchange has sparked fears of a broader regional war, with progressive and anti-imperialist voices condemning Israel’s offensive as a violation of international law and a dangerous escalation fueled by imperialist interests.

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— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 17, 2025

Congressional Resistance: “This Is Not Our War”

Amid growing calls for US military intervention, a bipartisan group of US lawmakers led by Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna introduced a resolution to prevent unauthorized US involvement in the conflict. Massie emphasized, “This is not our war.

Even if it were, the Congress must decide these matters under our Constitution.” Khanna stressed the need to protect American families from the devastating consequences of another Middle East war.

Progressive movements across Latin America and the Global South echo this stance, denouncing Israeli aggression and warning against US escalation. Governments in Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil, and Nicaragua have condemned Tel Aviv’s strikes and called for peaceful resolution.

Regional and Global Stakes: A Powder Keg

Iran’s naval forces, so far uninvolved, are reportedly preparing to enter the conflict if the US directly intervenes. The prospect of a wider war involving regional powers and global actors like Russia and China has heightened global anxiety.

Meanwhile, Trump’s administration has repositioned military assets in the region, signaling readiness for possible action. Yet, divisions within the White House persist, with some advisers cautioning against escalation.

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