White House reportedly discussed potential US military action before President-elect Donald Trump takes office
President Joe Biden held a high-level meeting several weeks ago to discuss potential US military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to multiple sources cited by Axios.
The discussions were reportedly part of contingency planning for scenarios in which Iran moves closer to developing nuclear weapons before Biden leaves office on January 20.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan presented various options to Biden during the meeting, but the president has not authorized any action, and no active discussions on military strikes are currently underway, the sources added.
A US official, speaking anonymously, clarified that the meeting was not prompted by new intelligence but aimed to assess “prudent scenario planning” if Iran enriched uranium to weapon-grade levels.
Biden’s advisors discussed whether the situation in the Middle East justified an intervention or gave Biden an “imperative and an opportunity to strike,” Axios wrote. Despite some internal arguments favoring a swift attack while Iranian defenses and regional influence are weakened, no recommendation was made, according to the US official.
Israel also reportedly believes that Iran is “isolated” following the ousting of Syria’s Bashar Assad and that its main ally in the region, Hezbollah, has been significantly weakened by the recent IDF offensive there. This could push Iran to accelerate its nuclear program, creating a window of opportunity for an Israeli preemptive strike, according to the Times of Israel.
On Thursday, the Iranian government reiterated its stance of pursuing peaceful nuclear energy while remaining open to new negotiations, as long as Tehran is treated with “respect,” according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Iran’s top diplomat warned that sanctions would not work with the Islamic Republic, particularly referring to the “maximum pressure” policy employed by the US during President Donald Trump’s first term.
“The more they impose sanctions and pressure on Iran, the more Iran will show resistance,” Araghchi said, calling on Western nations to treat his country with dignity. “If they opt for fair, just, and dignified negotiations and speak with the language of respect, we will respond in kind.”
Iran has long denied ambitions to develop nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear activities serve civilian purposes. In 2015, the Islamic Republic reached a nuclear deal with world powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which limited Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for partial sanctions relief.
However, in 2018, the US unilaterally withdrew from the agreement under Trump. Since then, Iran has stepped up its enrichment capabilities, and efforts to revive the deal have thus far failed. Last month, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, stated that Iran was “dramatically” accelerating its uranium enrichment to up to 60% purity, calling this development “very concerning.”
