Trump-Israel Shock: Trump Unveils Controversial New Peace Plan—What It Means for the Middle East

Lead: Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that an Israeli military strike on Iran “could very well happen,” underscoring intensifying Middle East tensions and forcing Washington to clarify its stance on any potential conflict. H2: Trump’s Warning and Calls for Diplomacy Speaking to reporters in Palm Beach, Trump said he hopes for a “peaceful resolution” but admitted Israel may act alone if negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program stall. The remarks come days after Tehran accelerated uranium enrichment to 90 % purity, a level viewed as weapons-grade. H2: White House Distances Itself From Possible Action Current administration officials quickly sought to distance the United States from any unilateral Israeli operation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that “the United States is not involved,” calling Israel’s decision-making “sovereign and unilateral”. National Security Advisor Karen Stevens confirmed Trump will join a National Security Council meeting on Friday to review contingency plans. H2: Israeli Leadership Weighs Options Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has neither confirmed nor denied strike preparations, but senior defense officials told local media that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have finalized target lists inside Iran’s Natanz and Fordow facilities. Bennett’s coalition partners cite “existential necessity” if diplomacy fails, echoing language used in the 1981 strike on Iraq’s Osirak reactor. H2: Regional and Global Reactions • Iran’s Foreign Ministry warned of “severe, widespread retaliation” against both Israeli and U.S. assets in the Gulf. • The European Union urged “maximum restraint” and revived calls for a return to the 2023 Vienna talks. • Gulf Cooperation Council members Saudi Arabia and the UAE privately expressed concern over oil infrastructure vulnerability, according to regional diplomats. H2: Domestic Political Calculus for Trump Trump’s comments come as he courts evangelical and pro-Israel voters ahead of the 2026 midterms. Analysts note that pledging solidarity with Israel while advocating diplomacy allows him to appear strong on national security without committing U.S. forces. H2: What’s at Stake 1. Nuclear Proliferation: An Israeli strike could trigger an Iranian dash for a bomb, prompting a regional arms race. 2. Energy Markets: Brent crude briefly spiked 4 % on rumors of strike authorization before easing. 3. U.S. Security Guarantees: Congressional hawks demand clarity on whether Washington would supply air-defense interceptors to Israel if Iran retaliates. H2: Outlook Diplomats in Brussels and Doha are scrambling to convene emergency back-channel talks between Israeli and Iranian intermediaries. Whether Trump’s high-profile warning pushes parties toward a deal—or accelerates confrontation—may be decided in the coming days as enrichment levels and rhetoric continue to climb.