Israel preparing possible strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, CNN reports

Investing.com-- Israel is preparing for a potential military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, as the U.S. continues to pursue a diplomatic agreement with Tehran, CNN reported on Tuesday, citing multiple U.S. officials familiar with recent intelligence.

While Israeli leaders have not made a final decision, intercepted communications and observed military movements, including air munitions transfers and completed air drills, have heightened U.S. concerns, CNN said.

One source told CNN that the likelihood of an Israeli strike has "gone up significantly" in recent months. The person added that a US-Iran nuclear deal under President Donald Trump that doesn’t eliminate all Iranian uranium makes a strike more likely.

Any strike would represent a significant break with Trump, who has prioritized diplomacy but warned of possible military action should nuclear talks fail, the CNN report said.

Trump reportedly gave Iran’s Supreme Leader a 60-day deadline in March to reach a deal. That deadline has passed.

A strike could also inflame tensions in a region already destabilized by the war in Gaza. The CNN report stated that despite the risks, Israeli leaders appear willing to act if Washington pursues a deal they view as inadequate.

Israel lacks the capacity to destroy Iran’s nuclear program without U.S. military support, but could act alone to derail a prospective agreement, CNN reported.