The US has obtained new intelligence suggesting that Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, even as the Trump administration has beenΒ pursuing a diplomatic dealΒ with Tehran, multiple US officials familiar with the latest intelligence told CNN.
Such a strike would be a brazen break with President Donald Trump, US officials said. It could also risk tipping off a broader regional conflict in the Middle East β something the US has sought to avoid since the war in Gaza inflamed tensions beginning in 2023.
Officials caution itβs not clear that Israeli leaders have made a final decision, and that in fact, there is deep disagreement within the US government about the likelihood that Israel will ultimately act. Whether and how Israel strikes will likely depend on what it thinks of the US negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program.
But βthe chance of an Israeli strike on an Iranian nuclear facility has gone up significantly in recent months,β said another person familiar with US intelligence on the issue. βAnd the prospect of a Trump-negotiated US-Iran deal that doesnβt remove all of Iranβs uranium makes the chance of a strike more likely.β
Stressful news being reported by cnn. At the moment no imminent attack seems likely but Israel is taking steps to position itself to strike Iran. Whether itβs just posturing, still dangerous and reckless. https://t.co/No5PKsVS8O
— fast (@DogofWar9) May 21, 2025
