President Trump recently overruled plans by Israel to launch a military strike against Iranian nuclear facilities. This decision came after significant internal debate within the Trump administration.
The decision to forgo military action stemmed from internal divisions. Some officials favored a more hawkish approach, supporting Israel's plan, while others were skeptical about the potential outcomes of a military strike, including the risk of escalating conflict. Iran's willingness to negotiate also played a role.
Israeli officials had developed detailed plans for attacks targeting Iranian nuclear sites as early as May. These plans were contingent on US support, both for defense against Iranian retaliation and for the success of the operation itself.
President Trump, aiming to avoid another Middle Eastern conflict, prioritized diplomatic negotiations with Iran. This contrasts with his earlier decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. He gave Iran a limited timeframe to reach a new agreement.