US official says 'Israel' urging US strikes on Iran, but Trump 'does not want to act'
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- US officials say 'Israel' wants to strike Iran, but President Trump resists military action.
- US-Iran talks set in Istanbul to prevent conflict; 'Israeli' forces remain on high alert.
US officials told Axios that 'Israel' is pressing for a military strike on Iran, but President Donald Trump is reluctant to act.
Trump told reporters Monday at the White House that “a massive force is heading to Iran and will be there soon,” while emphasizing his preference for a negotiated agreement and warning of the consequences of failing to reach one.
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Officials told Axios that Trump believed in June that Iran’s nuclear activities posed an imminent threat, but he no longer sees military action as the best option. Three of Trump’s advisers said a recent meeting between US and 'Israeli' chiefs of staff did not change the president’s stance. Sending Steve Whitkov and Jared Kushner to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Turkey is not a prelude to a surprise strike, they said.
“One strike now would undermine much of the president’s regional and global agenda,” one adviser added.
However, US officials remain skeptical that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei will accept Trump’s proposed conditions for any deal. A senior mediator warned that Iran could quickly find itself in a highly dangerous position if it fails to present tangible solutions in Friday’s talks.
Turkey talks aim to prevent war
Whitkov is scheduled to meet Araghchi in Istanbul on Friday to negotiate a comprehensive deal aimed at avoiding conflict. Regional sources told Reuters that preventing war is the priority in the discussions.
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Axios also reported that Whitkov will visit 'Israel' Tuesday to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, and 'Israeli' intelligence and military leaders to review the Iran file. 'Israeli' media suggested the US might strike Iran if it fails to offer major concessions.
The 'Israeli' military remains on high alert, maintaining readiness for both defensive and offensive operations.
Tensions have risen amid recent US and 'Israeli' pressure on Iran following widespread domestic protests that began in December over economic hardships. Iran accuses Washington of using sanctions and unrest to justify foreign intervention and has vowed an “unprecedented and comprehensive” response to any attack, even a limited one.
