U.S. Intelligence: Israel May Be Preparing to Strike Iran's Nuclear Facilities Amid U.S.-Iran Talks

The United States has obtained new intelligence indicating that Israel may be preparing to launch a military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, according to a CNN report published late Tuesday. The report cites multiple American sources familiar with the latest intelligence assessments.

Officials describe the possible move as a "blatant break" with President Donald Trump’s current diplomatic approach toward Iran, which has centered on negotiating a renewed nuclear agreement. They warned such a strike could trigger a broader regional conflict in the Middle East, something the U.S. has sought to avoid.

While U.S. intelligence agencies have not confirmed that Israel has made a final decision, sources said that internal debate continues within the American administration regarding the likelihood of Israeli action. One source noted that Israel’s decision-making could hinge on its assessment of the outcome of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.

Spike in Military Activity Triggers Alarms

A U.S. intelligence official told CNN that the probability of an Israeli strike has "significantly increased" in recent months, largely due to fears that the Trump administration may accept a deal that does not fully eliminate Iran’s uranium stockpile.

Among the indicators raising concern are intercepted Israeli communications, observed Israeli military movements, the relocation of aerial munitions, and the completion of recent air force exercises, sources said. However, they cautioned that these preparations could also be strategic posturing to pressure Tehran.

Tensions Rise as Iran Hardens Position

The report surfaces just one day after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, publicly dismissed the chances of success in the nuclear negotiations and criticized American demands.

“I don’t think the nuclear talks with the U.S. will yield results,” said Khamenei, rejecting Washington’s insistence that Iran halt uranium enrichment. “We will not accept the demands of the United States and Europe to stop enrichment. No one in Iran is waiting for American approval.”

Trump: Diplomacy First, But Attack Still on the Table

CNN also cited a senior Western diplomat who met with Trump earlier this month and quoted the former president as saying the U.S. would give the nuclear talks “only weeks” to succeed before exploring military alternatives.

In previous comments, Trump has expressed interest in seeing Iran “prosper,” but emphasized that Tehran “cannot have nuclear weapons.” He stopped short of ruling out military action, stating: “I wouldn't say I ruled it out, I'm just in no hurry to do it.”

U.S.-Israel Dynamics Under Pressure

According to a senior Israeli source, Jerusalem would be willing to act alone if the U.S. reaches a nuclear deal it deems unacceptable. One American official added that Israel might even launch a strike to derail the talks, particularly if it believes Trump is leaning toward a so-called “bad deal.”

Jonathan Panikoff, former U.S. deputy national intelligence officer for the Middle East, told CNN that Israel is caught in a bind: "Netanyahu is under pressure—to prevent a U.S.-Iran deal that Israel opposes, but also not to alienate Trump."

“Ultimately,” Panikoff added, “Israeli decision-making will depend on U.S. policy moves and the final shape of any deal Trump negotiates with Iran. I don't believe Netanyahu would risk a complete rupture with Washington without coordination.”

Last month, The New York Times reported that Israel had been on the verge of launching a strike on Iran’s nuclear sites, but the Trump administration allegedly halted the operation. Trump later clarified, saying he had not ruled out an attack, but preferred diplomacy as the first option.