New Delhi, June 18 -- Israel and Iran are exchanging strikes for the sixth day, with no sign of either side letting up yet. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender" amid indications that his administration might be preparing to join forces with Israel. Mint examines the implications of the US move.

Trump has signalled intervening on behalf of Israel with some cryptic remarks on Truth Social, a social media platform he founded in 2022. With reports that the US has moved more military assets to the Middle East, speculation is mounting that the US is preparing for action. This may yet be a threat to force Iran's hand. The US has so far only taken indirect action, i.e., helping shoot down Iranian missil...