Washington, DC – US sources confirmed that President Donald Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during their meeting at Mar-a-Lago that he would support Israel launching strikes against Iran’s ballistic missile program. The sources added that this would happen if negotiations between Washington and Tehran failed.
Additional US military buildup
According to sources, the United States has begun internal discussions on how to support Israel in any potential attack. These discussions include aerial refueling and obtaining overflight permits for countries along the route. This coincides with a reinforcement of the US military presence in the region. This reinforcement includes the deployment of the second aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and its strike group to the Middle East. This significant firepower is within range of Iran amid escalating tensions.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts
Despite the potential for military escalation, the Trump administration is continuing its nuclear talks with Iran. A second round of negotiations between US and Iranian delegations is expected to begin in Geneva on Tuesday. Both delegations will be headed by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. This comes in an effort to reach an agreement that would avert a military confrontation.
The Israeli prime minister has remained publicly skeptical of the viability of a diplomatic solution with Iran. He has insisted that any agreement must include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program and its funding of regional proxies. These are issues that go beyond the scope of Iran’s nuclear program.
Israeli reservations and the American position
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Washington prefers diplomatic solutions. However, he emphasized the importance of the United States’ readiness to support Israel should the negotiating track fail. He explained that US envoys Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner are scheduled to hold important meetings with the Iranian side during the upcoming round of talks.
These developments come as Tehran indicates a conditional willingness to reduce some uranium enrichment activities in exchange for easing economic sanctions. There is international anticipation regarding the outcome of the negotiations and the avoidance of any potential military escalation.
