Netanyahu Threatens Strike on Iran Despite Trump Push for Nuclear Deal, U.S. Fears Surprise Attack
by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly threatening to launch a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities—even if the United States reaches a diplomatic agreement with Tehran—underscoring Israel’s determination to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and raising alarm within the Trump administration over the risk of derailing nuclear negotiations.
According to a New York Times report published Wednesday, U.S. officials briefed on the matter say intelligence assessments indicate Israel could execute an attack within just seven hours of Netanyahu giving the order, leaving Washington little time to intervene.
The sharp disagreement over how to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons has led to increasingly tense conversations between President Donald Trump and Netanyahu, as well as a wave of high-level meetings between American and Israeli officials in recent days.
“Something good” may happen in the next couple of days, Trump hinted Sunday, referring to progress in nuclear talks. However, sources familiar with the negotiations said any public announcement would likely focus only on general principles, such as Iran’s right to enrich uranium at low levels and options to dilute or export existing stockpiles—issues that remain contentious in Jerusalem.
Two sources confirmed that Israeli officials privately signaled to the White House before Trump’s recent Middle East trip that a strike on Iran’s nuclear sites was being actively considered. U.S. intelligence reportedly corroborated signs of Israeli preparations.
American officials fear that a surprise Israeli military move could fatally undermine the talks, with one senior official warning that the narrow timeframe estimated for a strike would make it challenging to apply diplomatic pressure in time to stop it.
The U.S. assessment has also cast doubt on the effectiveness of an Israeli operation conducted without American support. Still, Israeli officials reportedly told their U.S. counterparts that they believe the United States would be compelled to provide military assistance if Iran retaliates.
Sources close to Netanyahu told The New York Times that he has instructed Israel’s security establishment to continue developing strike options, including limited operations that could be executed without U.S. involvement. Plans reportedly range from targeted airstrikes to multi-day assaults on Iranian nuclear facilities, some of which are located in densely populated areas.
Israeli officials have warned that they may strike even if a nuclear deal is reached, arguing that any agreement permitting Iran to maintain enrichment capabilities is unacceptable.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, Trump and Netanyahu clashed during a recent phone call, with Trump reportedly stating, “I want a diplomatic solution with the Iranians. I believe in my ability to make a good deal,” signaling his commitment to avoid another regional war.
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, currently visiting Israel, confirmed that Tehran has been given only a few days to decide on the latest proposal, adding urgency to a situation already on the brink.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Hossein Salami responded with a sharp warning. “Our hands are on the trigger. We are waiting — if they make a mistake, they will face responses that will make them forget their past,” Salami said Wednesday via Iranian state media. He added, “We are prepared for every scenario,” addressing both Israel and the United States.
As nuclear diplomacy hangs in the balance, Washington now faces not only the challenge of reaching a deal with Tehran—but also the urgent task of restraining its closest Middle East ally, as Israel weighs unilateral action to confront the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran.
IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY?
While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion.
Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting the inner meanings of the Qur’an and Islamic law. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass).
The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally.
Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance.
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