Former U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled that a potential Israeli military strike on Iran could be imminent, possibly as early as Sunday. The Wall Street Journal reported that unless Iran halts its nuclear material production, Israel may take action. U.S. intelligence has confirmed Israeli preparations, while unnamed American officials believe a strike could occur soon.
Trump, despite hinting at conflict, also emphasized his preference for a peaceful resolution, suggesting the threat might be a negotiating tactic to pressure Iran.
Trump stressed that his administration remains committed to diplomacy, stating negotiations are ongoing and encouraging Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions. Nevertheless, talks appear deadlocked, with a sixth round of discussions planned in Oman.
As the possibility of an Israeli strike increases, fears of regional escalation grow, especially with Iran threatening retaliation. Meanwhile, Axios reported that the U.S. has informed Israel it will not take part in any offensive operations, which could limit the scale of Israeli actions.
Israel Faces Limitations Without U.S. Backing as Nuclear Tensions With Iran Rise
While the U.S. may offer logistical and intelligence support, it has ruled out direct involvement or offensive aid. This leaves Israel potentially operating solo, which could be challenging due to limitations in its military hardware, particularly its inability to deploy bunker-busting bombs needed for deeply buried sites like Fordow.
Analysts suggest Israel may hesitate to proceed without American backing, recalling past scenarios where threats were not carried out due to a lack of U.S. support.
Trump Warns of Imminent Israeli Strike as Nuclear Talks With Iran Stall and U.S. Withholds SupportThe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) declared Iran in breach of its nuclear non-proliferation commitments, prompting Tehran to announce counter-measures. A senior Iranian official claimed a “friendly country” had warned Iran of a possible Israeli attack. The breach escalates the standoff between Iran and the international community, reviving fears of a broader conflict over nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.
Trump, Netanyahu Discuss Strikes as Middle East Tensions Escalate and Diplomacy Falters
President Trump acknowledged the potential dangers in the region, citing security concerns that prompted the relocation of U.S. personnel. Reports suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the possibility of strikes with Trump earlier in the week.
While Trump emphasized his preference for avoiding conflict, he also insisted that Iran must offer greater concessions in the nuclear negotiations. Ongoing instability across the Middle East, intensified by the continuing war in Gaza, has added further complexity to the already tense geopolitical situation.
As diplomatic channels stall, both the U.S. and Israel appear to be leveraging threats to extract concessions from Iran. Some diplomats believe the warnings and troop movements may be strategic maneuvers to shift Iran’s stance ahead of Sunday’s negotiations.
However, Iran remains defiant, with President Pezeshkian vowing to rebuild any destroyed facilities. In response to the IAEA’s declaration, Iran announced plans for a new enrichment plant, asserting that its nuclear program remains peaceful, despite increasing international skepticism.