Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
Tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, with both sides locked in a dangerous strategic standoff while awaiting a decision from former U.S. President Donald Trump on whether to launch a direct strike against Iran.
According to an article by Kathimerini Greece's George Skafidas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressing for American military intervention, specifically targeting Iran’s underground nuclear site at Fordow with advanced U.S. weaponry. However, Trump said he is giving himself “two weeks” to decide, a timeline widely interpreted as intentionally vague.
Within the Republican Party, pressure is mounting from both sides. Neoconservatives like Eliot Cohen are pushing for immediate action, citing the existential threat to Israel, while isolationist voices such as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon warn against a return to Middle East entanglements.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is increasing its military presence in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is already deployed, with the USS Nimitz en route and the USS Gerald R. Ford preparing to sail. These moves suggest Trump may be preparing for escalation while maintaining public ambiguity.
For Israel, the wait comes at a cost. Prolonged conflict is straining missile defense systems, depleting stockpiles, and imposing economic hardship. While Israeli forces continue targeted operations, officials fear a drawn-out war of attrition.
Iran, for its part, is betting on Israeli fatigue, U.S. indecision, and political divisions. But continued Israeli strikes are inflicting heavy damage on Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and threatening the regime’s long-term stability.
As all sides weigh their next moves, the risks of delay are growing and so are the consequences of action.
