President Donald Trump is expected to make a final decision within the next two weeks on whether the United States will enter the Israel-Iran conflict, following a devastating Iranian missile strike Thursday on Soroka Hospital in southern Israel. The attack, which injured more than 70 civilians, marks a turning point in the escalating conflict and raises urgent questions about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and intentions.
Iranian Missile Hits Civilian Hospital in Israel
Early Thursday morning, a barrage of Iranian missiles struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, one of Israel’s largest trauma hospitals. According to Israeli officials, over 70 people were injured. Photos from the scene show thick plumes of smoke rising from the hospital complex.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, calling it a direct strike on civilians and a war crime. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar echoed the sentiment, stating, “Iran has intentionally targeted a civilian medical facility—this is a violation of international law and an act of terror.”
The Iranian regime has not formally acknowledged targeting the hospital, but the strike comes amid intensifying missile exchanges between Tehran and Jerusalem following Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian military sites, including facilities allegedly tied to Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump to Decide Within Two Weeks on U.S. Involvement
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters Thursday afternoon, delivering a direct quote from President Trump:
“Based on the fact that there’s a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks.”
Leavitt reiterated that President Trump remains open to diplomacy but emphasized his commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. “Iran went for 60 days without responding to our outreach,” she said. “On day 61, Israel took action. The president will now determine if the U.S. should follow suit.”
Leavitt also confirmed there have been six rounds of direct and indirect negotiations with Iran since the conflict reignited, but she declined to disclose details of the discussions.
U.S. Intelligence: Iran Weeks Away From Nuclear Weapon
Leavitt warned that Iran is closer than ever to acquiring a nuclear weapon. “Iran has all that it needs to achieve a nuclear weapon. All they need is a decision from the Supreme Leader. It would take just weeks to complete production.”
This estimate is consistent with recent reports from U.S. and Israeli intelligence, which suggest Iran has enriched uranium to near-weapons-grade levels and has the necessary delivery systems in place.
Trump has consistently stated he would not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, and his current deliberations include potential military action against Iranian enrichment and missile facilities. Reports indicate that bunker-buster bomb options are being reviewed among possible strike packages.
U.S. Evacuates Personnel, Israel Launches Counterstrikes
In response to the hospital attack and other Iranian strikes, the U.S. Embassy in Israel began evacuating nonessential personnel from high-risk zones, according to sources familiar with the operation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Forces launched new airstrikes overnight, targeting Iranian surface-to-surface missile platforms and anti-aircraft units within Iranian territory. Israeli officials say these strikes are defensive and focused on degrading Iran’s offensive capabilities.
Internet Blackout Inside Iran
Amid growing unrest, Iran’s government has shut down internet access nationwide, cutting off millions of citizens from the outside world. While Elon Musk’s Starlink has been previously activated in Iran, satellite internet access still requires specialized dish hardware. Without this, most Iranians remain effectively cut off.
This blackout limits internal dissent and makes it harder for the international community to verify claims or assess civilian casualties following Israeli counterstrikes.
Trump Administration Reviews Military Options
According to senior defense officials, President Trump has approved U.S. military attack plans as part of contingency discussions but has not yet given a final order to proceed. These plans reportedly include limited precision strikes on nuclear and missile sites, designed to halt Iran’s nuclear progress without triggering a full-scale regional war.
Trump’s national security team has briefed both the House and Senate intelligence committees, and a classified Senate briefing is scheduled later this week to discuss the evolving situation.
The Bigger Picture
While the world waits, Trump’s decision could reshape the balance of power in the Middle East. The contrast between Israel’s military precision and Iran’s civilian-targeted attacks is already drawing renewed international scrutiny. And with Iran now only weeks from building a nuclear bomb, the margin for error is dangerously thin.
The next two weeks may determine whether this conflict remains regional—or becomes global.
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