In a move that has sent ripples across the Middle East and Washington’s foreign policy circles, US President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected an Israeli proposal to launch a massive military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities. According to a New York Times report published on April 16, Israeli officials had prepared a detailed plan to strike key nuclear sites in Iran in early May. However, the White House, following internal deliberations, declined to endorse or participate in the operation.

This decision underscores a notable shift in Trump’s approach to the Iran issue-opting for a revived diplomatic path rather than a dramatic show of military force that could plunge the region into a broader war.

According to senior White House officials quoted by the NYT, Israel’s plan involved an “extensive bombing campaign” over the course of more than a week. The intent was to significantly set back Iran’s nuclear capabilities, potentially delaying its ability to develop a nuclear weapon by at least a year. The operation, a mix of airstrikes and special forces raids, was crafted with the expectation that the US would not only approve but provide logistical and possibly direct military support.

Israel’s sense of urgency was reportedly fueled by recent intelligence assessments indicating Iran had accelerated uranium enrichment activities and was nearing weapons-grade levels. These developments have reignited fears in Tel Aviv and among hawkish US policy circles that Iran is edging closer to nuclear breakout capability.

Yet the plan was halted in its tracks.........

© Blitz