Israel, Iran Conflict Intensifies as Trump Sends Mixed Messages and Region Careens Toward Outright War

Here’s a wrap-up of the latest developments:

Iranian missiles hit a hospital in Israel – there are reports that over 200 people were injured.

The attack occurred after Israel had targeted Iran’s Arak nuclear reactor.

Indecisive, dithering former game show host Donald Trump says the US may or may not enter the conflict. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Trump has privately approved attack plans targeting Iran, but has withheld a green light.

Israel’s defense minister has threatened Iran’s supreme leader after the Iranian missile attack on a hospital, saying Khamenei ‘can no longer be allowed to exist‘.

WaPo reports that Israel will step up strikes on Iran.

Should the US join Israeli strikes, the result ‘would cause hell’, according to an Iranian minister who spoke to the BBC.

Democrats are raising war powers concerns (but not vociferously enough) as Trump mulls a military strike on Iran.

Only the best people! Golf cheat Donald Trump has cut both Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth out of key decisions.

Meet Mike Kurilla, the ‘jacked gorilla’ general pushing Trump to strike Iran.

Jess Bidgood at NYT looks at what Trump’s bellicose outbursts have triggered: a MAGA civil war. Naturally, Laura Loomer has taken advantage of the situation to attempt some kind of relevance.

NYT’s Roger Cohen looks at what might happen as Iran’s regime finds itself with its back against the wall.

Matt Gertz looks at how Trump’s Fox News obsession is driving the U.S. toward war with Iran.

STILL DEVELOPING…