Trump opts for diplomacy over Israeli strike on Iran – NYT

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US President Donald Trump has decided against supporting an Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, favoring diplomatic negotiations with Tehran instead, the New York Times reported on Wednesday, citing officials familiar with internal discussions.​

Israeli officials had developed plans to attack Iran's nuclear sites as early as May, aiming to delay Tehran's ability to develop nuclear weapons by a year or more, according to the report. These plans would have required US assistance to ensure success and to defend against potential Iranian retaliation.​

The decision followed internal debates within the Trump administration, revealing divisions between officials advocating for military action and those favoring diplomatic solutions. Some officials expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of a military strike and concerns over escalating into a broader conflict.​

Trump communicated his decision to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent meeting in Washington, emphasizing the initiation of negotiations with Iran. Despite this, Trump indicated that military options remain on the table should diplomacy fail.