Israel attack on Iran

Trump has given Iran the ultimatum, Khameni has replied defiantly, so the US is probably loading the bombs now. The threat to kill Khameni counts for nothing, he is a religious fanatic and willing to die for the cause.

Of course there is time for Trump to back down again.

David49

The prime objective is to destroy Irans nuclear threat, not to conquer them or kill civilians when that task is done Israel can stand down.
For a change Trump has been decisive the 60 day negation was over Israel got the go ahead next day.

Opinions vary on whether Trump gave the go ahead and Israel needs the US to destroy the bomb that's buried deep.
Whether the US will do this is something we don't know.
As I said Trump is under pressure to dump Israel.
He will only help now if there is something in it for him and his America first stays in place.

The prime objective is to destroy Irans nuclear threat, not to conquer them or kill civilians when that task is done Israel can stand down.
For a change Trump has been decisive the 60 day negation was over Israel got the go ahead next day.

Trump is in a difficult position. On one side he has those saying he should go in and help Israel and on the other the Maga group who want him to drop Israel.
They say that he vowed to put America first so involvement in the war with Israel is breaking that promise.
He has pressure too from Netanyahu to join them in attacking Iran.

Or Trump does his usual, nothing?

The other thing is, perhaps the Iranians have considered this possibilty and have his successor in the wings? He is an old man, so apart from this war, perhaps they have already prepared for the future?

Whitewavemark2

The news is just suggesting that Trump will be making a significant decision within the next few hours.

So the question is whether the USA gets involved in hostilities or puts pressure on Israel to pull back.

Or even I suppose try to resurrect the talks with Iran - I doubt that though.

Now Israel has started he won’t tell them to pull back -they wouldnt take notice if he did.
My bet is either an ultimatum to Iran or direct action to bomb the nuclear sites

Interesting, but previous 'reports' say he persuaded the Israelis against that assassination.

OldFrill, that's a very comprehensive explanation of what the adjoining States are thinking/doing, thanks.
Yes David49, trying to keep their heads down.
And Whitewavemark2, I remember one of the 'splits' in Iraq during the Gulf war 2003, being between the Shia muslims in Basra, and the Sunni regions.
Meanwhile in the hell that is Gaza, was it this or the other thread 50 shootings of people queuing for food?

There is the possibility that Trump will go for a regime change, by suggesting Israel kill Khamenei (sp?)

The news is just suggesting that Trump will be making a significant decision within the next few hours.

So the question is whether the USA gets involved in hostilities or puts pressure on Israel to pull back.

Or even I suppose try to resurrect the talks with Iran - I doubt that though.

They are all neighbours of Iran and will have to live with what emerges after this war is over so are very cautious not to be seen siding with Israel.

Whitewavemark2

David49

Maremia

Is anyone aware of how the other Middle East States are viewing this escalation between Iran and Israel?

Keeping their heads below the parapet, they are all military dictatorships of one kind or another , the Houthies in Yemen are allies, but largely pacified by the US. Egypt and Jordan in particular will welcome non terrorist Iran that is supplying rebels in those countries. I suppose Hezbollah in Lebanon could join in if they have any rockets left, I’m not sure if the Lebanese army has control over all the extremists yet. The Gulf states have no great love of Iran anyway .

I also think that it has a lot to do with the Muslim sect. So Iran is Shia which only represents probably 10% of Muslims in the world.

Everyone else is Sunni.

The National - UAE news in English
www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2025/06/16/regional-impact-of-israel-iran-war/

David49

Maremia

Is anyone aware of how the other Middle East States are viewing this escalation between Iran and Israel?

Keeping their heads below the parapet, they are all military dictatorships of one kind or another , the Houthies in Yemen are allies, but largely pacified by the US. Egypt and Jordan in particular will welcome non terrorist Iran that is supplying rebels in those countries. I suppose Hezbollah in Lebanon could join in if they have any rockets left, I’m not sure if the Lebanese army has control over all the extremists yet. The Gulf states have no great love of Iran anyway .

I also think that it has a lot to do with the Muslim sect. So Iran is Shia which only represents probably 10% of Muslims in the world.

Everyone else is Sunni.

Thanks David 49, was also wondering particularly about Saudi Arabia? They were against the Houthis in, was it, Yemen?

Maremia

Is anyone aware of how the other Middle East States are viewing this escalation between Iran and Israel?

Keeping their heads below the parapet, they are all military dictatorships of one kind or another , the Houthies in Yemen are allies, but largely pacified by the US. Egypt and Jordan in particular will welcome non terrorist Iran that is supplying rebels in those countries. I suppose Hezbollah in Lebanon could join in if they have any rockets left, I’m not sure if the Lebanese army has control over all the extremists yet. The Gulf states have no great love of Iran anyway .

I agree David49 about a popular uprising being unlikely, now that the two countries are warring. The Iranians will just want to stay safe and survive.

Is anyone aware of how the other Middle East States are viewing this escalation between Iran and Israel?

Iran like China rules the population with an iron hand so we shouldn’t expect a popular uprising, a lot depends on the attitude of the army in Iran a military takeover is more likely.

Trump will let Israel do the fighting for now hoping that Iran will agree to end the nuclear weapon programme. There is today speculation that if they don’t Trump will use the “Bunker Busting” bombs to destroy the facilities with B2 stealth bombers

ronib

I find it hard to understand Trump - at the start of his presidency, he was unequivocal- America first and the rest of the world could sort itself out without American intervention. And now where is Trump but in the thick of it - giving Iran 60 days and acting against them on the 61st. Unless of course Trump has decided it’s in American interests to force regime change in the Middle East?

Point well made!
but Trump wavers so much doesn't he.

keepingquiet

Grantanow

The Iranian regime is a disgusting assault on its people and was undoubtedly working in secret towards nuclear weapons. The world owes Israel gratitude for its attacks on the nuclear facilities. I hope they can be completely destroyed and that the regime will be so weakened so as to comply with being non nuclear and subject to thorough inspections. Ultimately I hope this fanatical regime will fall. Unfortunately the Iranians have little experience of democracy.

The Islamic revolution would not have happened if the US hadn't put a puppet Shah in place for the sake of influence and oil in the ME.

Similarly after Trump's election we can see that what people supported was not what they are now getting and certainly you can see how the religious far-right can fool people, and then take away their freedoms.

I think it was the US and the UK who imposed Reja Shah to protect our oil supplies when we (and the Royal Navy) were quite dependent on them.

I agree the Iranians didn't get what they wanted when the mullahs gained power. Unfortunately, I doubt there will be a revolution now because the regime has eliminated many opponents and the people are unarmed. Regime change would require external intervention.

Don't think anyone understands what Trump is doing. It has been alleged that he goes along with the last person he has spoken to. No way of substantiating that just now. We'll have to wait until the 'reveal' books come out.

WW2, that was in response to David49 saying believe none of it as 'both sides manipulate numbers...'

I find it hard to understand Trump - at the start of his presidency, he was unequivocal- America first and the rest of the world could sort itself out without American intervention. And now where is Trump but in the thick of it - giving Iran 60 days and acting against them on the 61st. Unless of course Trump has decided it’s in American interests to force regime change in the Middle East?

Maremia

Do we believe that there have been deaths?

Not sure what you mean?

Last I read there has been over 200 Iranians killed and 20-odd Israelites killed.

The irony though when Israel complained that Iran had been targeting civilian areas!

The cognitive dissonance takes your breath away.