Wed Jun 18 16:44:16 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump is considering potential U.S. involvement in Israeli strikes against Iran. He claims Iran has reached out seeking negotiations to end the conflict, even suggesting White House talks. While stating his patience with Iran has run out and reiterating calls for “unconditional surrender,” Trump remains ambiguous about his course of action, leaving the door open to both military intervention and diplomacy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the Pentagon is providing options to the President, but remained tight-lipped about specific plans.

**News Article:**

**Trump Weighs Options as Israel-Iran Conflict Escalates; Claims Tehran Seeks Negotiations**

**Washington D.C. – June 18, 2025** – As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to mount, U.S. President Donald Trump stated today he is considering potential U.S. involvement in ongoing Israeli strikes against Iran’s nuclear program. Trump made the remarks while overseeing the installation of a new flagpole at the White House.

According to the President, Tehran has reached out seeking negotiations to end the conflict, even floating the possibility of sending officials to the White House for talks regarding its nuclear program.

“I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” Trump said, addressing reporters on the South Lawn. “I can tell you this, that Iran’s got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate.”

However, Trump also reiterated his long-standing stance on Iran, stating his patience has “already run out” and repeating his call for the Islamic republic’s “unconditional surrender.”

Despite Trump’s seeming willingness to entertain talks, questions remain on whether this is a viable path forward. “Nothing is too late,” Trump said, when asked by a reporter.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier today, confirmed the Pentagon is providing President Trump with potential options, but declined to comment on specific military plans or whether the U.S. would directly assist in Israeli strikes. He did affirm that “maximum force protection” was being provided for U.S. troops in West Asia.

Hegseth also acknowledged that a decision on providing Israel with a “bunker buster” bomb, which would require U.S. B-2 stealth bombers and pilots, rests solely with the President.

The situation remains fluid, with the possibility of both military escalation and diplomatic engagement seemingly on the table as the conflict enters its second week.

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