Potential Israeli military action looms as nuclear talks between the US and Iran stall
Israel is poised to launch a military operation against Iran, multiple US media outlets reported on Thursday, citing sources.
Concern about a looming Israeli strike and resulting Iranian retaliation has already prompted the US to authorize a reduction of its diplomatic presence and approve the departure of family members from military bases in the region. The potential escalation could also derail the ongoing nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.
West Jerusalem is fully ready to start the operation, multiple anonymous US officials told CBS News. The reporting has been further corroborated by the New York Times, which cited US and European officials familiar with the plan. The newspaper noted, however, that the extent of the looming military action was still unclear.
It was not immediately known whether the US would play a role in the expected Israeli attack, ABC News reported, citing three sources familiar with the situation. Washington could provide logistical support and share intelligence required for the strike with Israel, the outlet said. The US military would also likely help West Jerusalem defend itself from any Iranian retaliation, an American official told CBS.
Fears of a looming Israeli attack come as talks between the US and Iran on the country’s nuclear program have seemingly stalled. The negotiations, which are being mediated by Oman, failed to produce a breakthrough, and Washington has openly voiced its dissatisfaction with the lack of progress. US President Donald Trump has accused Tehran of “slow-walking” the talks and said he was now “less confident” about reaching a deal.
While Iran has repeatedly signaled its readiness to negotiate, it has firmly rejected any possibility of completely giving up on uranium enrichment, the goal previously outlined by Trump.
The growing tensions in the Middle East have prompted the US to begin evacuating non-essential personnel and family members from its embassies and military bases in the region. Multiple media reports have suggested the move was prompted by fears the installations could become targets for Iranian retaliation should Israel in fact carry out an attack.
“Based on our latest analysis, we decided to reduce the footprint of our Mission in Iraq,” the State Department said in a statement to the media on Wednesday. Voluntary departures were also reportedly authorized for personnel at the embassies in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Pentagon has also approved the departure of family members from military bases in the region.
Trump abandoned from the 2015 UN-backed nuclear agreement during his first term, accusing Iran of secretly violating its terms and its “spirit.” Tehran has denied the allegations but has since gradually scaled back its commitments and expanded its enriched uranium stock.
