On June 13, 2025, President Donald Trump found himself at the center of a rapidly escalating international crisis after Israel launched a surprise military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. The strikes, which began overnight, hit sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, prompting fears of a broader regional war.
Trump’s Role and Strategic Calculations
According to reports, Trump had been briefed in advance by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who warned that Israel would act with or without U.S. support. While Trump initially signaled he would decide “within two weeks” whether to join the operation, critics argue that this delay allowed Israel to force his hand.
White House officials denied that Trump had authorized the strikes, but sources suggest the administration is now weighing whether to support follow-up actions, including the use of bunker-busting bombs or even tactical nuclear weapons—a claim the Pentagon has not confirmed.
Global Market Jitters and Oil Shock Fears
The strikes sent shockwaves through global markets, with analysts warning that oil prices could spike to $100 per barrel if Iran retaliates by disrupting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Crypto markets also reacted sharply, with Ether dropping 5%, reflecting investor anxiety.
Criticism from Arms Control Experts
Daryl Kimball, director of the Arms Control Association, accused Trump of falling for an Israeli trap, arguing that the strikes were designed to sabotage U.S.-Iran negotiations that had been scheduled to resume in Oman on June 15.
Trump’s Public Silence and NSC Meeting
Trump made no public remarks about the strikes on June 13 but attended a National Security Council meeting at 11:00 a.m. EDT. The White House has not released a transcript or summary of the meeting, fueling speculation about the administration’s next move.
June 13, 2025, marked a turning point in U.S. foreign policy, as Trump faced mounting pressure to clarify his stance on the Middle East conflict. With tensions rising and markets on edge, the world watched closely to see whether the U.S. would be drawn deeper into a potentially catastrophic confrontation.