President Donald Trump issued a stark assessment on Thursday regarding Israel’s stance toward Iran, stating that a strike on Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure “could very well happen,” as international concern continues to mount over Iran’s atomic ambitions.
Speaking to reporters during a White House appearance, Trump commented, “Well, I don’t want to say imminent, but it looks like it’s something that could very well happen.”
Trump made clear that his preference is to steer clear of hostilities. “I’d love to avoid the conflict,” he said. “Iran’s going to have to negotiate a little bit tougher, meaning they’re going to have to give us something they’re not willing to give us right now.”
According to a report by CBS News, Israeli military forces are on standby for potential action targeting Iran’s nuclear program, and preparations for a possible mission are said to be finalized.
American intelligence and defense officials have been updated on these developments and are now making contingency plans in the event of Iranian reprisals against U.S. assets, particularly in Iraq, CBS also reported.
In a separate update, NBC News indicated that Israel may be planning to move forward with an offensive against Iran independently, without waiting for support or coordination with the United States.
Given these developments, the U.S. State Department has instructed its embassies in areas that might be exposed to Iranian threats to activate emergency action committees. Additionally, all non-essential American personnel have been ordered to leave Iraq, and the Pentagon has offered military families stationed throughout the region the option to depart voluntarily.
Despite the rising tensions, Steve Witkoff, who serves as President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, is still preparing for another round of backchannel discussions with Iranian officials, which would mark the sixth such session on the nuclear issue.
{Matzav.com}