Newly obtained US intelligence suggests that Israel is preparing for a possible strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, according to a CNN report published Tuesday, citing multiple American officials familiar with the matter.
While it remains unclear whether Israeli leadership has reached a final decision, the report notes internal divisions within the US government regarding how likely Israel is to actually carry out such an attack.
A potential Israeli strike would represent "a brazen break with President Donald Trump," the officials stated, warning it could ignite a wider regional conflict. As CNN noted, “whether and how Israel strikes will likely depend” on Jerusalem’s perception of ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations.
One source told CNN that the likelihood of an Israeli attack has “significantly increased” in recent months, particularly if Trump pursues a nuclear agreement that doesn’t fully eliminate Iran’s uranium enrichment capabilities.
The concerns are reportedly based on both private and public statements by senior Israeli officials, as well as intercepted communications and observable military movements. Two sources noted that these movements include the relocation of air munitions and the completion of relevant air drills.
Still, these actions might simply be part of an Israeli strategy to apply pressure on Iran, warning of the consequences if it doesn’t alter its nuclear trajectory — a reflection of the complex geopolitical landscape the White House must navigate.
Diplomatic Tensions and Military Constraints
Israel finds itself “between a rock and a hard place”, said Jonathan Panikoff, a former senior intelligence official specializing in the region. Trump’s preference for diplomacy has left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under pressure — to both oppose an unsatisfactory deal and maintain strong ties with the US.
"Israeli decision-making will be shaped by US policy choices," Panikoff said. He emphasized that Netanyahu is unlikely to act without at least tacit US approval, noting that Israel lacks the capacity to neutralize Iran's nuclear infrastructure without key American support — particularly midair refueling capabilities and specialized bunker-busting munitions.
Nevertheless, CNN cites an Israeli source stating that Israel would act alone if Washington finalizes a deal deemed unacceptable. “They might strike to derail the deal if they believe Trump is settling for a ‘bad deal,’” said another official familiar with US intelligence. “The Israelis have been clear about this — both publicly and in private.”
Silence from Israeli Officials
The Israeli National Security Council, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Embassy in Washington declined to comment to CNN.
Fears are growing in Jerusalem that the Trump administration could settle for a weak nuclear deal with Tehran. In April, sources from an Israeli think tank told The Jerusalem Post that an alternative path could involve a Mossad operation targeting the Iranian official behind the 2024 missile attacks on Israel.
Multiple senior Israeli figures expressed concern to The Jerusalem Post that a subpar agreement might also limit the IDF’s current window of opportunity to strike Iran's nuclear assets.
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