In a significant escalation of tensions in the Middle East, West Jerusalem has requested assistance from the White House in its military campaign against Iran, specifically targeting the Fordow nuclear site. According to two Israeli officials cited by Axios, the request is part of a broader effort to eliminate Tehran’s nuclear program, which Israel believes is a preemptive move to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iran, however, has consistently denied any intention to develop such a weapon.
Recent Israeli strikes have already destroyed several above-ground facilities in Iran, including sites in Natanz and Esfahan, as confirmed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Rafael Grossi. The Iranian government has also informed Grossi that the Fordow enrichment plant, a heavily fortified site built deep inside a mountain near the city of Qom, was targeted, although it appears to have sustained no significant damage. The challenge for Israel lies in its lack of bunker-busting bombs and long-range bomber aircraft necessary to destroy Fordow, capabilities that the US possesses and could potentially utilize.
The success of Israel’s mission to eliminate Iran’s nuclear program is believed to hinge on the destruction of the Fordow site. If it remains operational after the operation ends, Israeli officials fear that their mission will have failed. There have been indications that the US might participate in the campaign, with an Israeli official suggesting that President Donald Trump had indicated a willingness to consider it “if necessary” during a recent call with Netanyahu. However, the White House has denied this claim, and a second American official confirmed that while Israel has requested US involvement, the Trump administration is not considering it at this time.
Despite the ongoing military actions, a senior US official emphasized that a peaceful resolution to the conflict remains possible. The official stated, “We have the ability to negotiate a successful, peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing. The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program.” This sentiment comes as nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington, which began in April, have been put on hold. Tehran cancelled a sixth round of negotiations scheduled in Oman, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stating that talks would not resume until Israeli strikes come to an end.
In a related development, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart engaged in a 50-minute phone call to discuss the situation in the Middle East, reportedly agreeing on the possibility of restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. This diplomatic effort underscores the international community’s desire to find a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions, even as military actions continue. The situation remains complex and volatile, with the potential for further escalation or a return to diplomatic negotiations hanging in the balance.
