File Photo: Outside view of the reactor building of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, just outside the southern city of Bushehr. Iran. AFP
The intelligence, which includes intercepted Israeli communications and observed military movements, suggests Israeli leaders are seriously weighing military action — even as the Trump administration pursues diplomacy with Tehran.
Preparations reportedly include moving air munitions and completing a recent air force exercise.
Still, officials stress that no final decision has been made, and assessments within the US government vary on the likelihood of a strike.
“This would be a significant break with President Trump,” one US official said.
A unilateral Israeli attack could risk a broader regional conflict, something Washington has sought to avoid since the outbreak of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023 escalated regional tensions.
“The chance of an Israeli strike has gone up significantly in recent months,” one source familiar with the intelligence told CNN. “And the prospect of a Trump-negotiated US-Iran deal that doesn’t eliminate Iran’s uranium stockpiles makes a strike more likely.”
Officials say the concern is based not only on Israel’s public warnings but also on internal messaging and strategic posturing.
However, some suggest the moves may be intended to pressure Iran diplomatically rather than signal imminent action.
A senior Western diplomat who met with President Trump earlier this month told CNN that the president conveyed he would give US-Iran negotiations only “weeks” to succeed before considering military options.
For now, however, the administration’s policy remains focused on diplomacy.
CNN said it had asked the US National Security Council and the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office for comment. The Israeli Embassy in Washington declined to respond.
Short link: