President Donald Trump warned Thursday that a “massive conflict” in the Middle East “could very well happen,” raising alarm over the possibility of an Israeli strike on Iran.
His remarks followed Tehran’s announcement that it would escalate nuclear activity in response to a UN resolution, declaring it in violation of non-proliferation obligations.
"I want to have an agreement with Iran," says @POTUS. "I'd much prefer an agreement. As long as I think there is an agreement, I don't want them going in ... I'd much prefer the friendly route." pic.twitter.com/zE7bIdANeH
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 12, 2025
Citing threats to Americans in the region, Trump said he authorized the evacuation of non-essential U.S. personnel. “I had to do it,” he told reporters. “Hopefully that doesn’t happen, but something could happen soon.”
Talks between the U.S. and Iran are set to resume Sunday in Oman, though Trump expressed declining confidence in reaching a deal. Iran’s retaliatory steps include activating advanced centrifuges and limiting international inspections.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has restricted staff movement, as regional tensions surge ahead of the next round of nuclear negotiations.
