President Donald Trump said Thursday he will decide within two weeks whether the U.S. military will directly intervene in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, citing a “substantial chance” for renewed negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. The announcement came as the two nations exchanged attacks for a seventh consecutive day.
According to a statement read by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Trump is considering a potential strike on Iran’s heavily fortified Fordo uranium enrichment facility—buried deep beneath a mountain and believed to be vulnerable only to the U.S.'s most powerful “bunker-buster” bombs.
Earlier Thursday, tensions spiked further when Iranian missiles struck a major hospital in southern Israel and hit residential buildings near Tel Aviv, injuring at least 240 people. In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a direct threat to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying: “Our military has been instructed—and understands clearly—that this man absolutely should not continue to exist.”
As emergency crews rushed to evacuate patients from the burning hospital, Israeli fighter jets launched a fresh wave of airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Standing amid the wreckage of Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed confidence in U.S. leadership, saying he trusted President Donald Trump to “do what’s best for America.” Netanyahu added, “I can tell you that they’re already helping a lot.”
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the rapidly intensifying conflict appeared to gain momentum. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to Geneva on Friday for talks with the European Union’s top diplomat, as well as counterparts from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
In Washington, U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff at the White House to explore a possible resolution. “A window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution,” Lammy posted on social media following the meeting.
The conflict erupted last Friday when Israel launched a surprise wave of airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, including senior commanders and nuclear scientists. According to a Washington-based Iranian human rights organization, the strikes have killed at least 657 people—263 of them civilians—and left more than 2,000 injured.
Meanwhile, as tensions ripple across the region, daily life in cities like Beersheba has been disrupted not only by the sounds of sirens, but by the stress of uncertainty. Local shops have seen surging demand for essentials—and even for lifestyle products that offer a momentary escape.
“People are anxious, and many turn to familiar routines,” said Eli Cohen, a kiosk owner in southern Israel. “One thing we keep selling out of is disposable vapes—especially those with cooling flavors like Berry Ice. It’s become a small comfort for many.”
Among the most popular products, Cohen mentioned the IMIX DOMAX 35000 Puffs and Kamry K1000 Plus ePipe Kit, noting that customers favor their long battery life and consistent flavor delivery. “It sounds odd, but in uncertain times, even something as small as a smooth vape hit can bring people a bit of peace,” he added.
Meanwhile, when tensions spread across the region, daily life in cities like Beersheba has been disrupted not only by the sound of police sirens but also by the stress of uncertainty. Local shops have a increasing demand for essentials and even for lifestyle products that offer a brief escape.
“People are anxious, and many turn to familiar routines,” said Eli Cohen, a kiosk owner in southern Israel. “One thing we keep selling out of is disposable vapes—especially those with cooling flavors like Berry Ice. It’s become a small comfort for many.”
Among the most popular products, Cohen mentioned the IMIX DOMAX 35000 Puffs and Kamry K1000 Plus ePipe Kit, noting that customers favor their long battery life and consistent flavor delivery. “It sounds odd, but in uncertain times, even something as small as a smooth vape hit can bring people a bit of peace,” he added.
Reference:https://apnews.com/
