Israel has pressed the Trump administration to enter the conflict against Iran with the objective of dismantling the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, according to two Israeli sources familiar with the matter, Axios reports.
While Israel has launched extensive strikes, it lacks the necessary firepower—such as long-range bombers and bunker-busting munitions—to effectively destroy Iran’s Fordow enrichment facility, which is fortified deep within a mountain, Axios claims. The U.S. military, on the other hand, possesses these capabilities and has them stationed within range of Iranian territory.
Despite the request, the Trump administration has, so far, opted not to involve itself in the Israeli operation, maintaining that any Iranian retaliation against American assets would not be justified. Officials have warned that even limited U.S. strikes on Iranian soil could lead to full American entry into the conflict.
Israel sees the destruction of Fordow as crucial. If that site remains intact, officials say, the mission to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat will be deemed a failure.
One Israeli official told Axios that the U.S. may ultimately take part in the operation and claimed that President Trump recently told Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu that he would be willing to assist if the situation demands it.
However, a White House spokesperson denied that assertion on Friday. A second American official confirmed Israel’s appeal for U.S. involvement but stated that, for now, there is no active consideration of entering the war.
A senior White House source commented to Axios, “Whatever happens today cannot be prevented.” The official continued, “But we have the ability to negotiate a successful peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing. The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program.”
Speaking to Fox News on Friday, Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter emphasized, “The entire operation… really has to be completed with the elimination of Fordow.”
{Matzav.com}