Context:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is advocating for military action against Iran's nuclear facilities, which conflicts with President Trump's efforts to negotiate a new nuclear deal with Iran. Netanyahu believes that Iran's current vulnerability presents an opportunity for a strike, while Trump sees it as an ideal moment for diplomacy, backed by the threat of military action. Tensions between the two leaders have resulted in high-level meetings and discussions, with Trump warning Netanyahu against attacking during ongoing negotiations. The core issue in the negotiations is whether Iran will be allowed to continue uranium enrichment, a point of contention between the U.S. and Iran. Despite skepticism about the efficacy of an Israeli strike without U.S. support, Israel is prepared to act unilaterally if necessary, and plans for military action remain under consideration even if a diplomatic solution is reached.

Dive Deeper:

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pressuring for a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, fearing diplomatic negotiations led by President Trump could allow Iran to maintain its nuclear capabilities. This stance has led to a series of tense interactions between the two leaders, including a phone call where Trump advised against military action while talks are ongoing.

• President Trump is negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran, focusing on halting Iran's uranium enrichment entirely. However, Iranian negotiators, led by Abbas Araghchi, have rejected this restriction, emphasizing their right to enrichment under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.

• The Trump administration is considering an interim agreement that outlines principles for a final deal, similar to the approach taken by the Obama administration. This move aims to prevent an Israeli strike and gain time for further negotiations, though it may not meet Israeli demands for dismantling Iran's nuclear infrastructure.

• Israeli officials have conveyed their readiness to strike Iran's nuclear sites, with or without U.S. support, and preparations for such an attack have been detected by U.S. intelligence. Concerns persist about the effectiveness of a unilateral Israeli strike and the potential need for U.S. military assistance if Iran retaliates.

• Netanyahu remains skeptical of diplomatic solutions, having opposed the 2015 nuclear agreement and advocating for aggressive measures against Iran. Despite ongoing negotiations, Israel continues to prepare for potential military actions, with various plans ranging from limited strikes to extensive bombing campaigns.

• Tensions are heightened by the possibility of Israel acting without warning, as U.S. intelligence estimates suggest an Israeli attack could be launched with minimal notice. This urgency underscores the delicate balance of diplomacy and military readiness in the region.

• The negotiations are also influenced by regional dynamics, with Oman acting as a mediator and discussions of a joint venture involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab powers to produce nuclear fuel. The location of enrichment remains a sticking point, complicating efforts to find a mutually acceptable resolution.