Trump Defends Iran Campaign as Israel Threatens Escalation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel intends to topple Iran’s regime and warned of an unprecedented response if Tehran attacks, as Israeli assessments reportedly indicated Iran was preparing a coordinated, multi-front campaign involving Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis and allied militias. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have downplayed the conflict as not technically a war or “small potatoes,” while saying the United States will act to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and protect energy shipments without providing a timeline. Lawmakers and critics have condemned the characterization because 18 U.S. service members have reportedly been killed and more than 750 wounded since fighting began, including in strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. bases in Jordan. Trump has threatened to intensify attacks and potentially “wipe out” Iran if it retaliates, prompting concerns that his rhetoric could signal consideration of extreme or nuclear options, although available reports do not establish that nuclear weapons have been authorized or are imminent. Separately, the U.S. ambassador to NATO urged allies to respond firmly to suspected Russian hybrid actions, including an alleged drone incident at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle Airport, while the conflict has become an issue in a competitive New York congressional race involving Republican Mike Lawler.