Washington: As the volatile conflict between Israel and Iran escalates, President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Tehran: if Iran targets U.S. interests, the American military will respond with overwhelming force.

Speaking publicly on June 15, Trump emphasized that, while the U.S. had no part in Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure including the Natanz facility and key leadership the American response to any aggression against U.S. facilities would be "unprecedented". He made clear that Washington had been kept informed of Israel's operations but had not provided direct military support.

This warning follows a series of dramatic exchanges: Israel struck over 200 targets in Iran under a campaign dubbed “Operation Rising Lion,” aiming to neutralize nuclear and missile capabilities. Iran retaliated with waves of ballistic missiles and drones directed at Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv.

Trump’s comments come amid mounting pressure on the U.S. to take a more active stand. While private messaging confirmed that the American military assisted in intercepting incoming Iranian missiles on behalf of Israel, Trump sought to distance Washington from the actual strikes. He reiterated that should Iran strike U.S. personnel or bases, the response would be “full strength” and “unprecedented”.

With the region on edge and missile exchanges deepening the crisis, global leaders continue to urge restraint. Behind the scenes, high-stakes efforts toward renewed nuclear diplomacy long pursued by Trump’s administration now teeter in the balance, threatened by the unfolding military confrontation .

This escalation places the U.S. at a critical juncture: while distancing itself from Israel’s offensives, it has taken tangible steps to shield American assets. Trump’s latest warning signals a readiness to escalate militarily should Iran strike U.S. targets a move aimed at deterring Tehran and protecting American interests as tensions spiral dangerously onward.