Watch: How US could become involved in attacks on Iran
US President Donald Trump is considering whether to join Israel's campaign against Iran's military and nuclear capabilities.
The White House has said that he will make a decision within two weeks.
A spokesperson added that Mr Trump still sees a window for diplomacy to address Israeli and US demands on Iran's nuclear programme.
But what would US involvement in the conflict look like?
Our reporter Jackie Fox looks at what could destroy Iran's underground enrichment facilities.
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The Journal
an hour ago
- The Journal
Ten weeks to save Irish peacekeeping in Lebanon as US weighs up whether to end its support
IRISH AND FRENCH diplomats are working intensely to convince the United States not to end support for the UN's peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, which could spell the end of the international peace effort. US officials have arrived in Lebanon and Israel to assess whether their country should veto the renewal of the UNIFIL mission. Sources have told The Journal that a major and secret effort is under way to stop the US from pulling the plug on the south Lebanon operation. Inside Government departments and at Cabinet level, Irish officials are understood to be anxious to find a way to keep the mission going. Officials have been directed by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Simon Harris to work with the French and others to push for a solution. The Times of Israel reported earlier this month that the US was deciding whether it would vote against the renewal of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission. The deadline to save the mission is ten weeks from now, when the UN will vote on whether to renew the mandate for UNIFIL. The UNIFIL mission (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) began in 1978 to maintain peace and security on the border between Lebanon and Israel after a period of increased tension between the two countries. Irish troops are part of a massive international presence of 10,500 troops from 50 countries to monitor both sides of the border. A total of 48 Irish soldiers have been killed there on active service. Their deaths were caused in action, in accidents, and in kidnappings by Israeli forces, Hezbollah, AMAL, and local militias aligned to Israel or to Lebanese factions. The Journal has confirmed that US officials, led by envoy Tom Barrack, have been in Lebanon and Israel to assess the effectiveness or not of the UNIFIL mission. In a move that is consistent with previous missions by the US, Barrack has no background in diplomacy; he is a real estate investor. Sources have said there is extensive lobbying ongoing by Israel to have the United States, which is a permanent member of the UN Security Council, end its support for the mission. There are fears among diplomatic sources that the work of Barrack and his team is a fait accompli, and the decision has already essentially been made to pull the plug on US support for UNIFIL, given the support the Trump administration has for Israel. Behind the scenes, French diplomats are leading negotiations and Ireland is working with them. The withdrawal of US support would be a significant setback for UNIFIL. Advertisement Sources believe that the US turning its back on the mandate would mean a cut of around 25% of the budget for the mission, which would cause a major reduction in troop numbers. Tánaiste Simon Harris speaking to troops in Camp Shamrock in South Lebanon in March. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Worst case scenario The worst case scenario would be that the UNIFIL mission would end, which would necessitate a massive withdrawal of Irish troops from south Lebanon. Currently around 330 soldiers of the 126th Infantry Battalion are stationed at multiple locations in the south of the country, monitoring the uneasy truce along what is known as the Blue Line. This was established in the wake of the 2006 war following international agreement on the border designating where Israel had to withdraw beyond. If the mission was to end completely, the Irish would withdraw en masse from the area. This would involve the chartering of a ship as Ireland does not have naval capability to move the troops. Sources said the seaborne withdrawal of kit and equipment would likely either happen from Beirut or from Tyre. Troop-carrying aircraft would also have to be chartered or they would hitch a ride on a flight by a partner country. It is understood that no immediate plans are in place for this. The Defence Forces and the government are awaiting the outcome of the vote in August. The Irish Defence Forces logisticians have carried out this operation before in the 2000s when the Irish temporarily withdrew from Lebanon and they recently successfully moved massive amounts of equipment and vehicles home to Ireland from their Syria mission . Camp Shamrock where the Irish are based with troops from Ghana and Poland. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Israeli strategic goal Sources said that the strategic goal for Israel is to make northern Israel free from the threat of rocket fire as well as other major cities inside the Jewish State. This is the justification for the previous invasions. The main body of Israeli troops have withdrawn back across the Blue Line but, within the Irish area of operations, south of the towns of Bint Jbeil and At Tiri, the IDF maintains one of a number of forward operating bases. Overflights by Israeli drones and aircraft are being monitored by a massive French radar station in the area with an Irish and LAF patrol fired upon recently by Israeli forces as well as a number of other incident. Hezbollah militants have also been seeking to intimidate UN troops. The powder keg atmosphere in the Levant will continue but sources said the Irish government remains hopeful that a compromise can be found to soothe the tensions in the UN assembly and for the mission to continue. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Daily Star
3 hours ago
- Irish Daily Star
Donald Trump moans about not playing golf for 3 weeks while making Iran threat
President Donald Trump admitted that he hasn't been able to play golf for several weeks after swiftly dismissing questions surrounding the United States' involvement in Iran Donald Trump conceded that he hasn't been able to play golf in about a month after the President navigated around several questions regarding the United States' involvement in Iran. On Tuesday, Trump made a swift exit from the G7 Summit post-dinner and implored residents of Tehran to "immediately evacuate" as the conflict between Iran and Israel continues to escalate. Given the current events, Trump, who was recently accused of using his immigration policy to violate and abuse, admitted that he hasn't been able to hit the greens and fairways for several weeks. Trump also recently hit the headlines after soccer bosses seemingly ditched their anti-racism policy ahead of next year's World Cup. '35 club championships, you all know that,' he told reporters who gathered at the White House on Wednesday to see the two 'beautiful' flagpoles that were installed. '35 club championships. I haven't hit a ball in 3 weeks, 4 weeks.' When one correspondent joked: 'It's time to get out there,' Trump replied: 'Been a little busy. Wouldn't you rather have me doing what I'm doing in the end?' This is hardly the first time that Trump has shed light on his golfing prowess, yet some have pushed back on his championship claims. After Trump shared that he'd won at least 20 club championships at the 14 golf courses he owns, sportswriter Rick Reilly — who authored the 2019 book 'Commander in Cheat' — poured cold water on the bold assertion. 'Trump's going around telling people he has won 20. But that's 100 percent a lie,' Reilly told Vox. 'I actually played with him once, and he told me how he does it: Whenever he opens a new golf course, because he owns 14 and operates another five, he plays the first club champion by himself and declares that the club championship and puts his name on the wall.' As Wednesday's conversation switched gears to the rising tensions in the Middle East, Trump swiftly stopped short of confirming the United States' role in the conflict. "I can't say that," he said. "I may do it, I may not do it. Nobody knows what I want to do. But I can say this: Iran's got a lot of trouble and wants to negotiate." Though Trump appeared uninterested in discussing Iran, the 79-year-old was more than happy to talk about the nearly 100-foot-tall flagpoles that were being installed on the north and south lawns of the White House. 'It is my Great Honor to announce that I will be putting up two beautiful Flag Poles on both sides of the White House, North and South Lawns. It is a GIFT from me of something which was always missing from this magnificent place,' Trump wrote on Truth Social. 'They are tall, tapered, rust proof, rope inside the pole, and of the highest quality. Hopefully, they will proudly stand at both sides of the White House for many years to come!'
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Israel's President calls out Starmer for ‘sitting on fence' and says Europe is next in line for Mullahs' missiles
ISRAEL's president last night accused Britain of 'sitting on the fence' as his nation fights for its life against Iran. Embattled Isaac Herzog said it was 5 Sir Keir Starmer's government has been accused of 'sitting on the fence' Credit: EPA 5 Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini Credit: Getty 5 Destruction in Israel after Iranian missile strikes Credit: AP And he told The Sun that Iran's missiles of mass destruction could one day be trained on the UK. In an exclusive interview at the presidential palace in Jerusalem, he said: 'There are things Britain cannot turn a blind eye to. It's obvious. 'And I think the British leadership should not only look at demonstrations or comments. We have to show them clear moral clarity. 'We are fighting the war that will protect Britain in the foreseeable future.' READ MORE ON ISRAEL CONFLICT Mr Herzog, a moderate political figure on the left of Israeli politics, added: 'You ask yourself, why would "Why? If London is not an enemy, then why? That is the question that needs to be asked.' He spoke out as Donald Trump, who has moved battleships and aircraft towards the Middle East warzone, last night appeared to give The Israel-backing US President, who yesterday signed off on a plan believed to involve ordering B-2 stealth bombers to wipe out Iran's surviving nuclear plant, said: 'I will make my decision whether or not to 'go' within the next two weeks.' Most read in The Sun Mr Trump, who has demanded Iran's immediate 'unconditional surrender' said he based his decision on the fact there was a 'substantial chance of negotiations' with Iran in the near future. President Herzog, 64, hit out as Keir Starmer's Labour government continued to fight shy of commitments to back ally Israel's war with the rogue terror state. Trump gives Iran two-week ultimatum before attack but Israel 'won't wait long' before bombing Fordow nuclear plant RAF Typhoon jets have been moved to a UK base in Cyprus but the PM and his Foreign Secretary Sir Keir yesterday again urged all parties to back off as Britain prepared to enter crisis talks in Geneva with Iran. He said: 'The continuation of the current situation is in no-one's interest. We want to see cool heads and a return to diplomacy because that is the best route forward.' The UK has sanctioned two far-Right Israeli ministers over 'incitements of violence against Palestinian communities' in the occupied West Bank. Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich will be banned from entering the UK and will have any assets in the UK frozen. Mr Herzog spoke of his respect for British values as he poured out his frustration yesterday. The nation's figurehead, a political opponent of strongman PM Benjamin Netanyahu, let rip during a 20-minute defence of Israel's 'existential' war with Iran. And he spoke of his enduring pride in his father, late Israeli president Chaim Herzog, who was an officer in the British Army and battled the Nazis in World War II. He said: 'My father, you know, he was really a war hero in World War Two. 5 Israel's President warned Iran's missiles of mass destruction could one day be trained on the UK 5 Israel President Isaac Herzog spoke of his respect for British values as he poured out his frustration Credit: Doug Seeburg 'He was very proud of the fact that he served in the British Army. He saw the worst of atrocities when he fought the Nazis and liberated the concentration camps. And we always believed, and I always believed, in the uniqueness of the British parliamentary system.' Mr Herzog went on to warn Britain that Iran must be stopped, and that Israel was at a now or never moment when there had never been a better time to end the terror from Iran and its proxies such as Hezbollah and the Houthis. He told The Sun: 'Ask yourself, why would a small tribe of 50,000 Yemenite Houthis receive ballistic missiles and cruise missiles? Ballistic missiles is something only empires have. It's all planned and arranged by Iran. It's a war machine planned against us. 'But, truly, the next ones in line are the Europeans and the 'infidels' as they call them. 'So let's not delude ourselves and let's all join together in identifying the national security risks of all these nations who have to stand up to Iran and say, 'No more'. 'Enough with your terror cells, enough with your jihadist cells, enough with your proxies and enough with your nuclear programme. 'We are defending Europe' 'It's now or never. Iran went on procrastinating for decades and decades and there were all sorts of windows of opportunity. 'Each time they told us, 'OK, let's give it a chance . . . let's have an agreement. Let them do X or Y'. 'But underneath, they had covert operations of lying. Their covert operation threatens Middle East stability and world stability. That's what people don't get. 'They love to criticise Israel automatically. But we are defending the West. We are defending Europe.' Mr Herzog saluted German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his recent show of support as he urged Sir Keir Starmer to follow suit. And he called on the people of Iran to rise up against terror stoking Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini in his nation's strongest call yet for regime change. He told The Sun: 'The chancellor of 'He said Israel is doing the dirty work for us. It's true. 'We are here at the frontier of a clash of civilisational values vis-à-vis jihadists. That's what we are dealing with. The world, for 80 years, has made clear that nuclear capabilities are the most dangerous thing if they are linked with an extreme, cruel, jihadist ideology. Isaac Herzog 'I trust President Trump. I think he sees it lucidly. I don't want to go into bombastic declarations but I think that he sees things correctly and my message to the people of Iran is very clear, 'We do not seek war but this war is your opportunity to uprise and bring change in your country. Totally uprise and change direction'. 'It's not one of our main plans or aims, but it is a major, major side-effect of our campaign. Our prime minister and our executive branch, they're taking care of it.' Referring to Ali Khameini, he said: 'It is clear that the leader of this war machine of terror, of atrocities, he himself is in charge of everything. 'He's taking billions of dollars off his own people from their food to spend on this terrible machine of cruelty. The world has to stand up to him once and for all.' Mr Herzog said he trusted Donald Trump to end Iran's reign of terror across the Middle East but said Israel's military had the power and the guile to win the war solo. Asked if his military could go it alone, he told The Sun: 'Israel can. It has many capabilities. We haven't shown everything yet. 'And we are very cautious in commenting about President Trump's considerations or decision-making process. We respect him immensely and we leave it up to him to take the historic decision. 'What we're doing is strictly in line with national security interests of all these major countries — all the G7 countries. 'We are showing our ingenuity and capabilities. We have a lot in stock. I don't want to brag about it. 'I met pilots yesterday who flew 2,300 kilometres and destroyed armaments that were aimed at us. 'And now they hit the Arak nuclear plantation and other places. That's a huge achievement. 'The world, for 80 years, has made clear that nuclear capabilities are the most dangerous thing if they are linked with an extreme, cruel, jihadist ideology.' The president said he hoped for an historic change, possibly within the next seven days, as Israel's vast military operation continued. He said: 'I sincerely hope that there will be a different balance that will block Iran, make clear that they cannot go on with that nasty, terrible game of theirs all over the world and in the region. 'They cannot threaten Israel's existence and move to the bomb — it's clear — and that is our aim.'
