US President Donald Trump convened a meeting on Tuesday to discuss whether America should actively join Israel in taking out Iran’s nuclear program.
Sources familiar with internal US discussions told The Jerusalem Post that “if the administration joins in, it won’t be a symbolic move – it will be a significant operation, with the primary target being the uranium enrichment facility in Fordow.”
Senior Israeli officials who spoke to the Post believe that Trump has already made a decision: The US will strike Iran if it refuses a deal that includes dismantling its nuclear program.
On Tuesday evening, Trump posted on Truth Social that he was demanding an “unconditional surrender.”
A US official told the Post, “There’s no doubt about what Trump wants, and he won’t hesitate to do what’s necessary to achieve that goal.”
Trump also told reporters, “I’m not interested in negotiations with Iran. I want a real end to Tehran’s nuclear program.”
US mobilizes additional forces in the Middle East
As part of preparations for a potential strike, the US military is deploying additional defense systems to the region to protect American bases and assets in Arab countries.
Heavy bombers are stationed both at Diego Garcia and the US base in Qatar, which is capable of carrying out significant operations against the Fordow facility that is located tens of meters below ground.
Reuters reported that the US is also sending additional F-35, F-22, and F-16 fighter jets to the region, along with the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier.
Behind the scenes, diplomatic efforts are underway to ease tensions. Oman and Qatar are mediating between Iran and the US in an attempt to facilitate a meeting between senior officials from both sides.
“There are intensive efforts underway,” a source familiar with the matter said. Tehran has also conveyed messages to Israel via the mediators in contact with Washington.
“Let’s deescalate and start negotiations,” was Tehran’s message, according to the source.