On June 18, 2025, ABC News reported that senior U.S. officials said the next 24 to 48 hours would be critical to determine whether a diplomatic solution to the Iran-Israel conflict could be reached. Otherwise, U.S. President Donald Trump could decide to intervene militarily, which would dramatically escalate the situation in the Middle East. The statement came amid ongoing hostilities that began with Israel's Operation Rising Lion on June 13 and rising international tensions over Iran's threats and the actions of its allies.

The conflict, which has entered its sixth phase, is characterized by high intensity. According to Al-Monitor, Israeli strikes have destroyed key military installations in Iran, including command centers in Shiraz and weapons depots near Qom, causing significant casualties. Iranian forces, in turn, continue to attack Israeli cities, including Jerusalem and Ashdod, using kamikaze drones and medium-range missiles such as the Sejjil, Fars News Agency reports. According to Israel National News, Israeli air defenses intercept most of the targets, but some hits cause destruction and fires. Israel's Foreign Minister said Tel Aviv will not stop until "the Iranian threat is eliminated," emphasizing its determination to continue the offensive.

The US, which is coordinating support for Israel, is at a crossroads. According to The Guardian, Washington has sent additional forces to the region, including squadrons of F/A-18s and the destroyer USS Porter, bolstering bases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Trump, who has previously opposed toppling the Iranian regime, is now considering military action if diplomacy fails, The Wall Street Journal reports. Talks initiated by France and Qatar have run into Tehran’s refusal to discuss its nuclear program without an end to Israeli attacks. Iranian Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref has said the country is prepared for “all-out war” if the US intervenes by threatening American facilities in the region, including the Al Dhafra base in the UAE, Al Arabiya reports.