us-refuses-israeli-proposal-to-strike-iran-s-nuclear-sites

United States President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to launch strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to multiple reports citing White House officials and individuals familiar with the discussions.

 

The proposed military action, reportedly scheduled for early May, was designed to delay Iran’s nuclear capabilities by a year or longer. Israel is said to have planned a week-long bombing campaign incorporating both air and ground assaults and had hoped for active American participation and approval.

 

The plan, however, was dismissed by President Trump earlier this month, following what has been described by insiders as a “rough consensus” among his top advisors.

 

Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were among those within the administration who are understood to have raised concerns that such a move would “spark a wider conflict with Iran.”

 

According to American experts, Israeli strategists were attempting to embroil the United States in yet another regional war — a prospect that many within the White House feared would drain US military resources and heighten instability across the Middle East.

 

Despite the rejection of military action, President Trump has signalled readiness to engage in renewed diplomatic efforts. He has decided instead to pursue a new agreement with Tehran, marking a notable shift from previous policy positions.

 

President Trump had famously withdrawn from the 2015 UN-backed nuclear agreement with Iran during his first term, citing alleged violations by Tehran. In response, Iran scaled back its compliance and accelerated uranium enrichment.

 

Tensions between Israel and Iran have escalated notably over the past year, with the two nations exchanging strikes in April and October — the most intense flare-up between the longstanding adversaries in recent years.

 

Last month, President Trump had threatened to bomb Iran “if they don’t make a deal,” prompting a firm response from Tehran, which vowed not to submit to pressure.

 

Nonetheless, initial signs of diplomacy emerged as the US and Iran resumed talks in Oman on Saturday.

 

“The negotiations took place in a ‘productive, calm, and positive atmosphere,’” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.