Israel Pledges to Hold Fire on Iran While Trump Pursues Nuclear Talks
by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff
(Worthy News) – Israel has assured President Donald Trump that it will not carry out a military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities unless the White House concludes that negotiations with Tehran have failed, according to Israeli officials cited by Axios.
The assurance comes amid growing concern inside the Trump administration that Israel might take unilateral action despite ongoing diplomatic efforts. President Trump recently warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching a premature attack, though he acknowledged that his position “could change with a phone call” if talks break down.
Senior Israeli officials delivered the message of restraint during a visit to Washington last week by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, Mossad Director David Barnea, and National Security Adviser Tzahi Hanegbi. According to one official, the delegation emphasized that Israel would not blindside the administration with a military move.
“We calmed the Americans and told them there is no logic in launching an attack if a good diplomatic solution can be found,” said one Israeli official. “We’re going to give it a chance and wait with any military action until it is clear that negotiations were exhausted and [White House envoy] Steve Witkoff has given up.”
Although the Israel Defense Forces continue training for a potential strike, Israeli officials clarified that recent military activity–particularly preparations for operations against Houthi targets in Yemen–were misread by U.S. observers as signs of an imminent move against Iran.
Despite Israel’s temporary restraint, Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear in private conversations and public remarks that Israel’s red line remains firm. “Iran must never be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said. “Not now, not ever. That will not change.”
Negotiations with Iran remain on uncertain footing. Trump accused Tehran of “slow-walking their decision” following remarks by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that criticized the U.S. proposal. The White House says Trump’s two-month deadline for a deal is set to expire next week.
Adding a new dimension to the talks, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly joined the diplomatic push following a phone call with President Trump earlier this week. According to sources familiar with the call, Trump asked Putin to use his influence with Tehran to help salvage the deal, signaling a rare instance of cooperation between Washington and Moscow.
Despite skepticism from Netanyahu about the likelihood of a diplomatic breakthrough, Israeli officials believe Iran may prolong negotiations to avoid collapse, potentially dragging talks out for several more months. For now, U.S. officials say no new round of talks is expected this weekend between envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
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