A report published overnight (Tuesday to Wednesday) in The New York Times reveals what it describes as growing tensions between Israel and the United States over the Iranian nuclear issue. According to the report, U.S. officials are increasingly concerned that Israel may launch a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities—without notifying the American administration in advance.
Within Seven Hours
The Times claims that even after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with U.S. President Donald Trump in April, he instructed Israel’s defense establishment to prepare for the possibility of a strike on Iran. According to the report, U.S. officials are alarmed by Israel’s ability to carry out such an operation in as little as seven hours—a window so short it could prevent American intervention or influence.
The report also describes what it calls a tense phone conversation between Trump and Netanyahu in recent days, during which the Israeli prime minister allegedly warned that if the U.S. continued talks with Iran, Israel might respond by attacking Iran’s uranium enrichment sites.
Netanyahu, for his part, has denied the report.
“All Options on the Table”
The report further states that Israel is concerned President Trump, eager for a swift agreement with Tehran, may settle for terms too lenient—potentially allowing Iran to continue enriching uranium. One proposal said to be under review in Washington aims to calm Israeli concerns as well as opposition from hawkish members of Congress: requiring Iran to remove from its territory all weapons-grade enriched uranium.
Israel has not issued an official comment, but unnamed Israeli security sources are quoted in the media as saying that “all options are on the table.”
“Significant Progress”
Just days ago, President Trump said there had been “significant progress” in nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. He added that there might be “good news” to share later this week.
“We’ve had very good talks with Iran. In the next couple of days, we’ll know if there’s good or bad news. I believe it will be good,” Trump told reporters before boarding Air Force One to return to Washington. He said the Rome meetings had produced “serious and meaningful progress” and hinted at further developments in the coming days.
“I have a gut feeling I might have good news to share. There’s been real progress—serious progress. I would truly be glad to see a situation where bombs aren’t falling and people aren’t dying. That’s what I hope for. I think there’s a good chance of that,” he added.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Israel is preparing for a possible rapid strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities if talks between Washington and Tehran collapse in the coming weeks. According to Israeli assessments, the window for a successful operation could be closing soon.
