Israel Mulls Strike on Iran Despite Trump's Caution

Israel is considering a "limited strike" on Iran's nuclear facilities in the coming months, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's rejection of large-scale military action at the moment. Another round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks were held in Rome on Saturday.

According to a new Reuters report, Israeli military options under consideration require minimal U.S. support, marking a shift from earlier, more expansive strike proposals. The plans reportedly include a range of targeted actions—such as airstrikes or commando raids—intended to delay Iran's nuclear capabilities by several months or more.

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department and the Israeli prime minister's office for comment.

Why It Matters

Israeli military action could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts and trigger regional escalation. Washington has made clear its current priority is diplomacy, and any unilateral Israeli move could strain U.S.-Israel ties and provoke retaliatory steps from Iran. As negotiations gain traction, unilateral action could complicate them.

What to Know

Reuters reported that Israel recently presented Washington with several military options, including some timed for late spring or summer. A senior Israeli official said no final decision had been made, but a smaller operation that wouldn't require full U.S. backing is now more likely.

Iran Ready for Possible Attack

Meanwhile, a senior Iranian security official has said that Tehran has credible intelligence suggesting Israel is planning an attack on its nuclear sites, according to state media. Iranian officials have previously vowed to retaliate against any aggression.

Trita Parsi, a Middle East analyst told Newsweek that Israel's "intense determination to sabotage diplomacy" could take the form of "assassinations, sabotage, and other attacks inside the country" designed to provoke Iran and derail the negotiations.

Trump Reiterates Preference for Diplomacy

Last week, The New York Times reported that Trump had rejected a proposal from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for "extensive" strikes. "I'm not in a rush to do it, because I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death, and I'd like to see that. That's my first option," Trump said.

What People Are Saying

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute, told Newsweek: "The Israelis are tripling down on their efforts to sabotage the talks. While they still seek to pressure Trump from outside and inside the administration, it would not be surprising if they also seek to sabotage it from the Iranian side. It is all the more important for the U.S. and Iran to progress rapidly and reach an agreement in short order."

Mohammad Sadr, Iran's Expediency Discernment Council said: "If (Trump) wants to bring Israel's demands to the negotiating table – including a complete halt to enrichment, naturally we will not reach an agreement."

President Donald Trump stated: "I think that Iran has a chance to have a great country and to live happily without death. That's my first option. If there's a second option, I think it would be very bad for Iran, and I think Iran is wanting to talk."

What Happens Next

U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are set to resume this week, with technical teams set to discuss uranium enrichment and other core issues. Any Israeli military move could shift the trajectory of those negotiations.