According to information obtained by CNN from several US officials, new intelligence indicates that Israel is preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities despite efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to reach a diplomatic agreement with Tehran.
Such a move by Israel could represent a serious break with Trump’s position and provoke a wider conflict in the Middle East, which the US is trying to avoid after the escalation in Gaza in 2023. Officials warn that a final decision by Israeli leaders has not yet been made and that there are differences within the US government regarding the likelihood of Israeli action.
According to one source familiar with US intelligence, “the likelihood of an Israeli strike on an Iranian nuclear facility has increased significantly in recent months.” The increase in tension is linked to both public statements by senior Israeli officials and intercepted communications and observations of Israeli military movements.
Among the military preparations observed are the movement of aerial bombs and the completion of air exercises. However, these actions may also serve as a means of pressuring Iran to abandon key principles of its nuclear programme.
Iran-US nuclear deal
Trump has previously threatened military action against Iran if diplomatic efforts to reach a new nuclear agreement fail.
At the same time, the US administration is stepping up intelligence gathering to be ready to assist if Israel decides to take military action. Despite this, a senior US official said that the US is unlikely to help Israel strike Iranian nuclear sites unless Tehran provokes a serious provocation.
Israeli sources report that the country is ready to act independently if the US continues negotiations with Iran, which will be seen as a “bad deal.” CNN has reached out to the National Security Council and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office for comment, but no response has been received at the time of publication.
