Sources have informed the Wall Street Journal that the United States might collaborate with Israel in targeting Iranian nuclear sites.
According to sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal under the condition of anonymity, President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is exploring options for confronting Iran, including a potential direct assault on its nuclear facilities.
During his first term (2017-2021), Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement—designed to hinder Iran’s nuclear weapons development—and implemented a “maximum pressure campaign.”
The newspaper reported Friday that Trump’s advisors are now discussing a “maximum pressure 2.0” strategy, which could involve direct military action.
Reports indicate Trump recently assured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call that he wouldn’t allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons during his presidency. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons but has amassed significant highly enriched uranium in response to Trump’s undermining of the nuclear deal.
The WSJ reports the incoming administration is seeking a solution that avoids a large-scale Middle Eastern war. Proponents of a forceful approach believe Trump will have a limited timeframe to act after assuming office in January.
Since last year, Israel has launched significant military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah, militant groups considered part of Iran’s regional “axis of resistance.” Following the recent overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government—a long-time ally of Tehran—Syria is now in turmoil.
“Trump aides and confidants advocating military options for his second term stated the primary goal would be to support Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities such as Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, and potentially even participate in a joint operation,” the newspaper reported.
The Times of Israel reported this week that the Netanyahu government is preparing strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities. Given the sites’ extensive fortifications, the effectiveness of the Israeli military’s conventional weapons is uncertain. The US could provide heavy bombers and bunker-buster bombs for such an operation.
This year, Iran and Israel engaged in direct attacks against each other on two separate occasions. Tehran’s actions were in retaliation for perceived Israeli aggression, including an April airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus and the July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh during his visit to Tehran.