Washington DC [US]: The United States has obtained new intelligence indicating that Israel is actively preparing for a potential military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, even as President Donald Trump’s administration continues diplomatic engagement with Tehran, according to a CNN report citing multiple US officials.
Though no final decision has been made by Israel, intelligence officials believe the likelihood of a strike has increased significantly in recent months. This growing concern stems from ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations and the fear that Tehran is accelerating its uranium enrichment activities beyond diplomatic limits.
“The chance of an Israeli strike on an Iranian nuclear facility has gone up significantly,” a source told CNN, emphasizing the implications if Washington fails to reach a deal that effectively halts Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The assessment is reportedly based on:
- Intercepted Israeli communications
- Visible military repositioning, including the movement of aerial munitions
- The recent completion of a large-scale Israeli Air Force exercise
Officials cautioned that while these activities suggest serious preparations, they could also be aimed at increasing diplomatic pressure on Iran or the United States, rather than signalling imminent conflict.
A Tense Diplomatic Balancing Act
The development presents a potential rift with President Trump’s current strategy, which remains focused on diplomacy. Trump has publicly threatened military action if talks collapse, but he continues to push for a negotiated outcome — at least in the near term.
In March, Trump sent a personal letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, imposing a 60-day deadline to finalize a nuclear agreement. That deadline has now passed, and negotiations have dragged on for over five weeks with little breakthrough.
A senior Western diplomat revealed to CNN that during a recent high-level meeting, Trump signaled that he would allow only a few more weeks before considering military options if no progress is made.
Israel’s Calculated Dilemma
For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the pressure is mounting. Netanyahu strongly opposes any US-Iran deal he perceives as lenient and may see pre-emptive military action as a necessary countermeasure. However, striking Iran risks:
- Straining US-Israel strategic ties
- Triggering regional escalation, especially amid ongoing tensions from the 2023 Gaza conflict
CNN reports that Netanyahu is weighing these options carefully, trying to balance national security concerns with diplomatic fallout.
Regional Implications
Any Israeli military action against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would shake the already fragile stability of the Middle East. It could provoke Iranian retaliation, draw in proxy groups, and force the United States into a broader regional confrontation, something Trump has sought to avoid since returning to office.
Despite Trump’s focus on diplomacy, his administration remains closely aligned with Israel, and some officials fear that a unilateral Israeli strike could drag the US into conflict, regardless of intentions.
As the situation evolves, all eyes remain on Jerusalem, Tehran, and Washington. The coming weeks will likely determine whether diplomacy holds — or if military action becomes a last resort.