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Markets Rattled as Regional War Escalates, Trump Vows Devastating Response If U.S. Is Attacked
As Israel and Iran exchange their most intense strikes in decades, President Donald Trump warned Sunday that U.S. involvement “is possible,” though American forces remain officially on the sidelines for now.
“We’re not involved in it. It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved,” Trump told ABC News.
Israel Launches Unprecedented Strikes — Iran Strikes Back
Israel launched its largest-ever military operation against Iran, targeting nuclear facilities and oil infrastructure, reportedly killing several top Iranian commanders, including the IRGC intelligence chief Mohammad Kazemi.
Iran responded with ballistic missile barrages targeting civilian areas in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Bat Yam, leaving at least 13 dead—many of them children.
Trump Signals Putin Could Mediate
In a surprising turn, Trump revealed that Russian President Vladimir Putin was in contact about possible mediation.
“I would be open to it. [Putin] is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it,” Trump said, adding that he believes the situation “is going to get resolved.”
This signals an unusual openness to Russia’s diplomatic involvement—while maintaining U.S. strategic caution.
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Trump: “Full Strength” If U.S. Forces Are Targeted
Trump left no doubt about U.S. resolve.
“If we are attacked in any way, shape or form by Iran, the full strength and might of the U.S. Armed Forces will come down on you at levels never seen before,” he declared on Truth Social.
Trump Blocks Israeli Assassination Plan
According to reports, President Trump recently vetoed an Israeli proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.
“Have the Iranians killed an American yet? No. Until they do we’re not even talking about going after the political leadership,” a senior U.S. official said.
While Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declined to confirm the report, he made clear that Israel will continue its campaign until Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities are dismantled.
Markets on Edge — Oil Surging
The strikes have disrupted global energy markets. Oil prices surged 9% on Friday amid fears over damage to Iran’s energy sector.
With refinery and pipeline facilities hit, volatility is expected to continue when markets reopen Monday. Israeli markets showed resilience, but worldwide investors are bracing for further shocks.
Contrasting Bold Foreign Policy Posture
Under Trump’s leadership, U.S. policy blends strong deterrence, conditional restraint, and openness to high-stakes diplomacy.
This contrasts with what some critics describe as the Biden administration’s hesitant approach. Trump’s decision to bypass the Khamenei death plot, while simultaneously warning Iran with “full strength,” highlights a hardline but measured stance.
At the G7 meeting in Canada, leaders including Germany’s Friedrich Merz are reportedly seeking ways to de‑escalate tensions – yet Trump’s presidential posture suggests an approach rooted more in strength and less in international appeasement.
