According to reports, Israel has sought US assistance in targeting Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility.
Citing Israeli officials, Axios reports that Israel has asked the US to join its military efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear program.
Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the IAEA, stated that recent Israeli strikes have damaged several above-ground Iranian facilities, including those in Natanz and Esfahan.
Israel has characterized these strikes as a preemptive measure to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a goal Iran denies pursuing.
Grossi also mentioned that Iran reported an attack on the Fordow enrichment plant near Qom, a fortified underground site, but there was no significant damage.
Axios reports that Israel lacks the necessary bunker-buster bombs and long-range bombers to destroy Fordow, while the US possesses these capabilities and has forces within range of Iran.
Israeli officials reportedly believe that the mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program will fail if Fordow remains operational after the operation concludes.
An Israeli official informed Axios that the US might participate in the campaign, mentioning that President Trump had indicated a willingness to consider it during a recent call with Netanyahu, a claim the White House denies.
Another American official confirmed Israel’s request for US involvement but stated that the Trump administration is not considering it.
Washington has reportedly distanced itself from the operation, warning that even a limited strike could involve the US in the conflict, with White House officials arguing that Iranian retaliation against American forces would be unjustified.
A senior US official told the outlet that while the Israeli attacks could not be prevented, a peaceful resolution remains possible. “We have the ability to negotiate a successful, peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing,” the source said. “The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program.”
Nuclear discussions between Tehran and Washington started in April, with Trump cautioning about potential military repercussions if diplomacy fails.
Tehran cancelled a sixth round of negotiations scheduled in Oman on Saturday. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that discussions would not resume until Israeli strikes cease.
Earlier on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart held a 50-minute phone call to discuss the situation in the Middle East. The two leaders reportedly agreed on the possibility of restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
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