Reportedly, Washington has obtained new intelligence indicating ongoing preparations for a potential attack.
Citing multiple US officials privy to new intelligence assessments, CNN reported on Tuesday that the possibility of an Israeli military strike against Iranian nuclear sites “has gone up significantly” in recent months.
According to unnamed sources speaking to the network, while Israeli leaders haven’t made a final decision, recently intercepted communications suggest that active planning is in progress. US intelligence has also observed Israeli military activities, including the movement of air munitions and the completion of air exercises, potentially signaling preparations for an “imminent strike.”
Several officials conceded that these actions could be a strategic signal to Iran, intended to pressure Tehran into making concessions during ongoing negotiations with Washington. However, one CNN source cautioned that “the prospect of a Trump-negotiated US-Iran deal that doesn’t remove all of Iran’s uranium makes the chance of a strike more likely.”
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, the US and Iran have engaged in several rounds of talks in Oman in recent months, with both sides describing them as constructive and productive. However, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, stated last week that while Washington seeks a diplomatic resolution to the standoff with Iran, it has “one very, very clear red line… We cannot allow even 1% of an enrichment capability.”
Iran currently enriches uranium to 60% purity, significantly exceeding the 3.67% limit established under the now-defunct nuclear deal and approaching the 90% needed for weapons-grade material. While US and Israeli officials have for years warned that Tehran is only weeks away from a nuclear breakthrough, Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful and not aimed at producing a bomb.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the US demand for full dismantling of its nuclear facilities as “unrealistic,” stating that Tehran would continue enriching uranium regardless of a deal. He also suggested that some statements by US officials are “completely detached from the reality of negotiations.”
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