NYT: Trump Dismissed Israel’s Proposal for an Assault on Iran
The Jewish state reportedly planned to carry out strikes on nuclear sites next month. US President Donald Trump has turned down Israel's proposal to target Iran's nuclear facilities, according to a report by the New York Times on Wednesday...
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The Jewish state reportedly planned to carry out strikes on nuclear sites next month.
US President Donald Trump has turned down Israel's proposal to target Iran's nuclear facilities, according to a report by the New York Times on Wednesday evening, which cited White House officials and others familiar with the situation. Trump is said to prefer pursuing a new agreement with Tehran.
As per the NYT, Israel had developed plans to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in early May, intending to postpone Tehran's capability to develop a nuclear weapon by a year or more. After weighing a mix of airstrikes and commando operations, the Jewish state allegedly suggested "an extensive bombing campaign" that would have spanned over a week. Israeli officials were optimistic that the US would not only approve the operation but also provide active support.
However, Trump rejected the proposal earlier this month after a "rough consensus" formed at the White House. Among the top administration officials voicing concerns were Vice President J. D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who reportedly worried that the strikes might "spark a wider conflict with Iran."
In recent months, Iran and Israel engaged in strikes during April and October, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
Trump withdrew from the 2015 UN-backed agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program during his first term, accusing Tehran of covertly breaching the deal and reinstating sanctions. In turn, Iran scaled back its compliance with the accord and expedited its uranium enrichment efforts.
Last month, Trump issued a threat to bomb Iran "if they don’t make a deal," while the Islamic Republic insisted it would not submit to pressure. Despite the heated exchange, the US and Iran conducted their first round of negotiations in Oman on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as occurring in a "productive, calm and positive atmosphere."
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
US President Donald Trump has turned down Israel's proposal to target Iran's nuclear facilities, according to a report by the New York Times on Wednesday evening, which cited White House officials and others familiar with the situation. Trump is said to prefer pursuing a new agreement with Tehran.
As per the NYT, Israel had developed plans to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in early May, intending to postpone Tehran's capability to develop a nuclear weapon by a year or more. After weighing a mix of airstrikes and commando operations, the Jewish state allegedly suggested "an extensive bombing campaign" that would have spanned over a week. Israeli officials were optimistic that the US would not only approve the operation but also provide active support.
However, Trump rejected the proposal earlier this month after a "rough consensus" formed at the White House. Among the top administration officials voicing concerns were Vice President J. D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who reportedly worried that the strikes might "spark a wider conflict with Iran."
In recent months, Iran and Israel engaged in strikes during April and October, marking a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations.
Trump withdrew from the 2015 UN-backed agreement regarding Iran's nuclear program during his first term, accusing Tehran of covertly breaching the deal and reinstating sanctions. In turn, Iran scaled back its compliance with the accord and expedited its uranium enrichment efforts.
Last month, Trump issued a threat to bomb Iran "if they don’t make a deal," while the Islamic Republic insisted it would not submit to pressure. Despite the heated exchange, the US and Iran conducted their first round of negotiations in Oman on Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as occurring in a "productive, calm and positive atmosphere."
Mark B Thomas for TROIB News
