Iran’s announcement on Monday of new centrifuge installations at its Natanz nuclear facility has presented a formidable challenge for U.S. President Donald Trump, testing his foreign policy approach in a volatile region.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran has increased uranium enrichment to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels, though Tehran insists its program is for peaceful purposes. The move follows U.S. sanctions reimposed by Trump in February 2025, after he withdrew from nuclear talks.
Tensions escalated after Israel struck Iran’s state television headquarters and Quds Force command center on June 16, prompting Trump to warn Tehran residents to evacuate while suggesting diplomacy was faltering. “Iran is not winning this war,” Trump said at the G7 summit, declining to endorse a joint call for de-escalation. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused the U.S. of enabling Israeli aggression, threatening to relocate nuclear materials to undisclosed sites if attacked, according to CNN.
Trump faces a stark choice: pursue negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, risking criticism from hardline supporters, or escalate military pressure, which could destabilize global oil markets. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan signaled a “calibrated response,” but details remain vague. European allies, including France and Germany, urged restraint, warning of a broader conflict. Iran’s actions, coupled with attacks by its proxy groups like Hezbollah, suggest a strategy to test Trump’s resolve, analysts say.
The crisis has sparked global concern, with oil prices rising 3% on Monday. Social media debates reflect divided opinions, with some calling for U.S. intervention and others advocating diplomacy. The Trump administration’s next steps will shape Middle East dynamics for years to come.
