Trump Halts Israeli Strike on Iran, Opts for Nuclear Talks
By The Media Line Staff
US President Donald Trump blocked an Israeli plan to carry out a military strike against Iran’s nuclear program in May, choosing instead to pursue renewed negotiations with Tehran. The decision, made earlier this month and conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his visit to the White House, came after months of internal debate within the Trump administration over the risks of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli officials had drawn up plans for a combined commando raid and bombing campaign targeting Iran’s underground nuclear facilities, including Fordow and Natanz. The operation would have required US logistical and aerial support, and was expected to provoke a large-scale Iranian missile retaliation. Israel hoped that the US would both assist in the attack and provide protection from the expected response.
Sources briefed on the discussions told The New York Times that initial plans involved elite Israeli forces striking underground targets while American aircraft secured airspace and took part in neutralizing Iranian defenses. But as logistical and political concerns grew, Israeli officials shifted their preference toward a sustained bombing campaign requiring even greater US involvement.
The plan gained momentum in Israeli security circles after a string of Iranian setbacks: Israel successfully intercepted a barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles in April 2024, dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah in Lebanon, and helped force the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Syria. Israeli intelligence also assessed that Iran’s air defense capabilities had been severely degraded.
General Michael E. Kurilla, commander of US Central Command, and national security adviser Mike Waltz reportedly supported the Israeli proposal, while Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Vice President JD Vance warned it could trigger a broader regional war. CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were said to be more sympathetic to Israeli concerns, but internal divisions within the administration deepened.
President Trump’s preference for diplomacy ultimately prevailed. In the Oval Office, sitting alongside Netanyahu, he announced the opening of direct and indirect talks with Iran to seek a new agreement that would prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. According to Israeli officials, the US president refused to discuss the Iran plan by phone and insisted Netanyahu travel to Washington to hear his decision in person.
Following the meeting, Netanyahu issued a statement in Hebrew, emphasizing that only a Libya-style disarmament would satisfy Israel. “We go in, blow up the facilities, dismantle all the equipment, under American supervision and American execution — that is good,” he said. But he added, “If this does not happen and Iran drags out talks, then the option is military. Everyone understands this.”
Despite President Trump’s decision, the US continued to move military assets into the region. B-2 bombers capable of carrying 30,000-pound bunker-busting bombs were deployed to Diego Garcia, and aircraft carriers were repositioned in the Arabian Sea and Red Sea. American officials insisted the buildup was intended to deter Houthi attacks in the Red Sea but acknowledged the assets could be used in a future confrontation with Iran.
Some Israeli officials are now warning that Netanyahu may be placing too much emphasis on US participation. They argue that, given Israel’s advanced air capabilities and Iran’s weakened defenses, a unilateral strike is increasingly viable. The Mossad and Israeli military have continued covert actions against Iran, including cyberattacks and targeted assassinations.
Within the Trump administration, debate continues over how long to give diplomacy a chance. Some officials, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and US envoy Steve Witkoff, argue that a flawed deal is better than war. Others believe time is running out. Iran has resumed enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels and has restricted access to international inspectors.
Iranian leaders have responded cautiously. Brig. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri, head of Iran’s armed forces, warned, “Our response to any attack on the Islamic Republic’s sovereignty will be forceful and consequential.” Still, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran remained open to negotiations but would not accept limits on uranium enrichment.
The next round of US-Iran talks is scheduled to take place in Rome this weekend, with Oman continuing to serve as mediator. International Atomic Energy Agency Director Rafael Grossi has also arrived in Tehran to push for renewed access and oversight. Grossi warned this week that Iran was “not far” from the ability to produce a nuclear weapon.
As diplomacy unfolds, Israeli officials are weighing next steps. Some advocate renewed covert attacks. Others warn that if the American negotiations fail or produce only a “mediocre” deal, Jerusalem may have to act on its own.
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