Israel Warns of Possible Strike as Trump Nears Nuclear Deal with Iran

With signals growing stronger that U.S. President Donald Trump is closing in on a new nuclear agreement with Iran, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Monday publicly renewed a stark warning: Israel is prepared to act militarily to stop Iran’s nuclear ambitions if necessary.

Speaking to Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commanders, Katz declared that the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran remains Israel’s "central mission." He emphasized that while Israel continues to engage in "deep dialogue" with the United States, it retains full readiness to act independently if diplomacy fails.

“We know we have someone to count on when we need to make decisions,” Katz said. “And when there’s a need to act — anywhere, including against Iran — there is someone to execute it.”

Despite Katz’s bold statements, concerns are mounting within Israeli leadership circles that Trump’s push for a deal could end up sidelining Israeli military options. Senior Israeli officials have told The Jerusalem Post over recent weeks that they worry Trump’s desire for a diplomatic success might result in a "mediocre" deal — one that delays Iran’s nuclear threat without dismantling its uranium enrichment capabilities completely.

Trump’s Balancing Act
Trump, while occasionally hinting at military options, has consistently leaned toward securing a diplomatic agreement that would impose limits on Iran’s nuclear activity without necessarily dismantling its program entirely. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, he expressed optimism: “I think a deal will be reached... We’ll have something without needing to start bombing.”

The Israeli government remains wary. Since Israel’s successful elimination of Iran’s advanced S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems in October 2024, Katz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and senior IDF officials have grown more confident that a preemptive strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities is feasible if needed.

Yet, according to an Israeli official speaking to The Jerusalem Post, the prevailing assessment within Israel is that the current U.S.-Iran negotiations will likely result in an agreement. Whether that deal will satisfy Israel’s key demand — the complete dismantlement of Iran’s uranium enrichment infrastructure — remains uncertain.

Dialogue Ongoing but Tensions Simmering
An Israeli source emphasized that the country maintains constant communication with Washington. “The dialogue is not one-sided, and we are expressing our positions,” the official said. “There is continuous communication on many levels. I wouldn’t recommend drawing early conclusions. I’m confident that the United States is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.”

Another round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks is scheduled for Saturday. Israeli officials anticipate that Trump’s self-imposed 60-day deadline to strike a deal could eventually be extended as negotiations proceed.

Conclusion:
As Trump races toward a potential agreement with Iran, Israel is positioning itself for all eventualities — diplomatic or military. While Israel values its strategic partnership with the United States, Katz’s remarks serve as a clear reminder that if Israel feels its existential red lines are crossed, it is prepared to act alone to safeguard its national security.

Photo: REUTERS, SHUTTERSTOCK, YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90