Trump cancelled Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities - NYT

According to the NYT, Trump decided after several months of internal debates. The discussions centered around whether to continue diplomacy or support Israel in its efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb, while Tehran was weakened both militarily and economically.

The debates revealed disagreements between proponents of military action and other advisers who doubted that a military strike on Iran could destroy the country's nuclear ambitions and avoid a larger war. As a result, it was decided to refrain from military action for now, as Iran was open to negotiations.

Sources stated that Israel developed a plan to strike Iran's nuclear facilities and intended to do so in May 2025. Israeli officials were prepared for implementation and periodically hoped that the US would approve the operation. The goal was to delay Tehran's ability to create nuclear weapons for at least a year.

However, almost all of the plans would require US assistance, not only to protect Israel from Iranian retaliation but also to ensure the success of the Israeli strike. This would make Washington a key participant in the strike.

For now, Trump has chosen diplomacy over military action. During his first term, he withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran, negotiated under Obama. However, in his second term, aiming to avoid a new war in the Middle East, he began negotiations with Tehran, giving only a few months to finalize a new nuclear deal.

Earlier this month, the US president informed Israel of the decision that the US would not support the strike. This was discussed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who visited the White House last week. Trump then announced that the US would begin negotiations with Iran.

After the meeting, Netanyahu stated that the deal with Iran would only work if it allowed the signatory parties "to enter, blow up facilities, and dismantle all equipment under the supervision and execution of the US"

US-Iran talks

Recently, Iran rejected the US demands regarding its nuclear program, presenting its own. This occurred during a visit by Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran does not plan to abandon its nuclear program.

Negotiations regarding the nuclear deal are ongoing. The US and Iran will hold a new meeting this Saturday in Rome, Italy. The first phase of negotiations took place the previous Saturday, April 12.