Israel unlikely to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities without US backing, says Financial Times

Israel’s leadership is unlikely to launch an attack on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure without the direct approval and support of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Financial Times writes, citing Israeli and Arab diplomats.

Sources suggest that Israel is reluctant to initiate military action without the White House’s backing, fearing it could anger Trump and risk losing his support. Additionally, they note that any Israeli strike on Iran without U.S. involvement would likely have only limited impact.

At the same time, Trump is reportedly focused on pursuing diplomatic solutions to the challenges posed by Iran’s nuclear program, the paper notes.

According to the newspaper, Trump has resisted pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been urging Washington to take more decisive and aggressive action. The report says Netanyahu attempted to secure Trump’s support for strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities even before the president’s inauguration, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

As noted, since Trump’s rise to power, Netanyahu has taken a more assertive and confident stance in the Middle East, stepping up strikes in Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip. However, the Israeli government is reportedly aware of the shifting positions within the Trump administration, and diplomats believe Israel will proceed cautiously to avoid provoking Washington with uncoordinated moves on the Iranian front.