'Israeli' Air Force members wait for F-35I Adirs to launch for a Red Flag-Nellis 23-2 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., March 16, 2023. Red Flag is an opportunity to enhance interoperability with 'Israel'. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Trevor Bell)
US, ‘Israeli’ officials deny reports of planned Tel Aviv strike on Iran: Axios
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
American and 'Israeli' officials have rejected a report claiming that the United States pressured 'Israel' to conduct an independent military strike against Iran prior to the upcoming US midterm elections.
The report originated from the 'Israeli' news outlet Maariv, alleging that discussions held between the two allies over the past two weeks included US pressure on 'Israel' to execute a solo operation against Iranian targets.
However, Axios Global Affairs Correspondent Barak Ravid pushed back against the account, citing direct confirmation from high-ranking diplomatic sources.
Two US officials and one 'Israeli' official denied the Maariv report, stating explicitly that Washington did not ask 'Israel' to initiate a strike against Iran before the elections.
The pushback comes at a time of heightened regional tension and intense diplomatic engagement between Washington and 'Tel Aviv' over how to address threats linked to Tehran.
While speculation regarding military options continues to impact international markets and regional security calculations, officials maintain that coordinated channels remain active without demands for unilateral 'Israeli' military action ahead of the US political timeline.
