On June 13, 2025, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran’s nuclear and missile facilities and killing senior figures like IRGC commander Gen. Hossein Salami, under independent Israeli command. U.S. President Donald Trump, distancing Washington from direct involvement, warned Tehran to “make a deal before there is nothing left,” emphasizing that Iran risks “even more brutal attacks” if it fails to negotiate.

Trump reiterated that the U.S. will protect its military personnel in the region and is not part of the offensive . He has long campaigned on a dual track of “maximum pressure” and negotiation, reinstating sanctions in early 2025 while pursuing diplomatic talks in Oman, as long as Iran “forgets the concept of having a nuclear weapon”.

Wheelhouse divisions have emerged in Washington. While Trump-aligned non-interventionists oppose deeper military entanglement, hawkish voices hint at offering Israel defensive support. Meanwhile, Iran launched over 100 drones in reprisal and its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has vowed a “bitter fate,” with drone strikes intercepted by Israel.