U.S. intelligence warns of an impending Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, potentially by mid-year. Reports suggest such action may escalate regional tensions without significantly delaying Iran’s nuclear program. President Trump emphasizes a hard stance against Iran while advocating for a diplomatic resolution. Intelligence assessments indicate Israel perceives an opportunity following prior military actions.
United States intelligence sources have indicated that Israel is poised to conduct a preemptive strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities by mid-year, capitalizing on what it perceives as Iran’s current vulnerabilities. This information, reported by The Washington Post, suggest that such an action would likely only delay Iran’s nuclear capability by a few weeks or months, while significantly heightening regional tensions and the likelihood of broader conflict.
In remarks to The Washington Post, Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, reiterated President Donald Trump’s firm stance against allowing Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Although Trump advocates for a diplomatic resolution to the situation, he indicated that he would not tolerate prolonged negotiations without actionable progress.
The most comprehensive intelligence assessment, released in January by the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Defense Intelligence Agency, warned that Israel is likely targeting Iran’s Fordow and Natanz nuclear sites. Current and former officials familiarize with this intelligence noted that Israel thinks its prior airstrike in October may have impaired Iran’s air defense capabilities, thus rendering it susceptible to a follow-up strike.
In a recent interview with Fox News, President Trump expressed a preference for a negotiated agreement over military intervention, while acknowledging widespread assumptions that Israel would conduct a bombing campaign against Iran with U.S. support.
The United States and its allies had previously implemented a nuclear agreement with Iran under former President Barack Obama, aimed at curbing its nuclear ambitions. However, in 2018, President Trump, supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, withdrew from this agreement and reinstalled sanctions. Since that time, Iran has resumed its nuclear activities including uranium enrichment, as reported by the United Nations nuclear agency.
Most recently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced discussions related to reviving nuclear negotiations among Iran, Britain, France, and Germany in Geneva. This dialogue underscores ongoing efforts to address the complexities surrounding Iran’s nuclear program amid heightened regional tensions.
In summary, U.S. intelligence assessments predict that Israel might launch a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear sites within the next few months. This strike is anticipated to escalate regional instability with limited effect on Iran’s nuclear timeline. President Trump maintains a firm position against Iran acquiring nuclear weapons while expressing a preference for diplomatic solutions. The dynamics surrounding the Iran nuclear deal and international negotiations remain critical in addressing these tensions.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
