Israel poised to strike Iran nuclear sites

Recent US intelligence reports indicate that Israel is likely to strike Iranian nuclear facilities in the coming months, potentially targeting the Fordow and Natanz sites.

According to The Washington Post and Wall Street Journal, the attacks would aim to exploit Iranian vulnerabilities following the degradation of its air defences that resulted from an Israeli bombing campaign in late October 2024.

The strikes could delay Tehran's nuclear programme by months but risk significantly escalating tensions in the Middle East, according to the US intelligence assessments seen by the outlets.

However, some Israeli officials dispute the American analysis, claiming that any potential strike on the facilities could hinder Tehran's progress significantly more than anticipated in Washington.

Warnings of an Israeli attack on Iran are detailed in several intelligence reports from the latter part of President Joe Biden's term and the start of President Donald Trump's. The most detailed analysis comes from a report by the Joint Chiefs of Staff's Directorate for Intelligence and the Defence Intelligence Agency in early January.

US National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes told the Post that Trump “has made it clear he will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon”.

But the Trump administration’s support for an Israeli strike remains uncertain.

The President reiterated in an interview with the New York Post on Saturday that he would prefer to solve the Iran nuclear issue diplomatically.

He said: “I would like a deal done with Iran on non-nuclear. I would prefer that to bombing the hell out of it.

“They don’t want to die. Nobody wants to die. I hope they decide that they’re not going to do what they’re currently thinking of doing. And I think they’ll really be happy.”

The interview followed Trump expressing similar sentiments on his social media platform Truth Social, saying that wants Iran to “peacefully grow and prosper.”

“Reports that the United States, working in conjunction with Israel, is going to blow Iran into smithereens, ARE GREATLY EXAGGERATED,” he said.

“I want Iran to be a great and successful country, but one that cannot have a nuclear weapon,” he added.

“I would much prefer a Verified Nuclear Peace Agreement, which will let Iran peacefully grow and prosper. We should start working on it immediately, and have a big Middle East Celebration when it is signed and completed.”

In that vein, Trump signed an executive order on February 4 to reimpose “maximum pressure” sanctions on the Islamic Republic, but said at the time that he was “torn” over the decision, explaining: “It’s very tough on Iran. Hopefully, we are not going to have to use it very much… I’m unhappy to do it.”