Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to launch a strike on Iran’s nuclear sites even if the United States secures a diplomatic agreement with Tehran—escalating fears inside President Donald Trump‘s administration that a surprise Israeli attack could derail ongoing nuclear negotiations, according to a New York Times report.
U.S. intelligence agencies assess that Israel could execute a strike within seven hours of Netanyahu’s order, giving Washington little or no time to intervene. The growing rift between Trump and Netanyahu is now prompting urgent, high-level talks between senior officials from both countries, the report said.
Newsweek has reached out the State Department and the foreign ministries of Iran and Israel for comment.
Why It Matters
The prospect of an Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities—without coordination or regard for a negotiated U.S. deal—would mark a serious fracture in the longstanding alliance between the United States and Israel. For Trump, the risk is twofold: the collapse of diplomatic efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear capabilities and the outbreak of a wider regional conflict triggered by an Israeli operation.
What to Know
According to the New York Times report, Netanyahu has directed Israeli defense officials to continue planning a strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, regardless of whether a U.S.-Iran agreement is finalized.
Options under review range from limited, targeted strikes to broader multi-day operations, some of which could take place in densely populated areas.
U.S. Warning
The Trump administration has issued firm warnings to Israel not to disrupt the ongoing talks with Tehran. But concerns are mounting in Washington that Netanyahu may proceed with a strike, viewing any deal that allows Iran to retain enrichment capabilities as unacceptable. According to Israel’s Channel 12, Trump and Netanyahu engaged in a heated phone call last week, during which Trump reportedly insisted, “I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe in my ability to make a good deal,” underscoring his desire to avoid a military confrontation.
Tehran Ready to Retaliate
Meanwhile on Wednesday, The head of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, said that Tehran is ready to respond decisively to any Israeli military action. “Our hands are on the trigger. We are waiting — if they make a mistake, they will face responses that will make them forget their past,” Salami said, according to Iranian state media. He also addressed the U.S., stating, “We are prepared for every scenario.”
What People Are Saying
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Whatever happens, we have to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.”
U.S. President Donald Trump: “We’ve had some very, very good talks with Iran…I think we could have some good news on the Iran front.”
IRGC Commander Hossein Salami: “If they [Israel] make a mistake, they will face responses that will make them forget their past.”
What Happens Next
With Netanyahu pressing ahead and U.S.-Iran talks at a tipping point, the coming days may determine whether diplomacy can avert war—or if there is an even wider confrontation.
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