Israel reportedly planned to launch strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities next month.
US President Donald Trump rejected Israel’s proposal to attack Iranian nuclear sites, according to a New York Times report citing White House officials. Trump reportedly preferred pursuing a new agreement with Tehran.
The Times reported that Israel had plans to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities in early May, aiming to delay their nuclear weapon development by at least a year. The plan included a combination of airstrikes and commando raids, with Israel proposing “an extensive bombing campaign” lasting over a week. Israeli officials hoped for US approval and active support for the operation.
However, Trump rejected the plan earlier in May after a “rough consensus” within the White House. Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard reportedly expressed concerns that the strikes would “spark a wider conflict with Iran.”
Iran and Israel exchanged strikes in April and October of the previous year, which marked a significant escalation between the regional rivals.
During his first term, Trump withdrew from the 2015 UN-backed Iran nuclear deal, accusing Tehran of violating it and reimposing sanctions. Iran responded by reducing its compliance with the agreement and increasing its uranium enrichment.
Last month, Trump threatened to bomb Iran “if they don’t make a deal,” prompting Iran to vow not to yield to pressure. Despite the threats, the US and Iran held initial talks in Oman on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the negotiations as taking place in a “productive, calm and positive atmosphere.”
“`