Diplomatic tensions flared as U.S. and European officials suggested Israel may be preparing to launch a military strike against Iran, according to a report by The New York Times.
Such an action, sources cautioned, could trigger a major escalation across the Middle East and undermine the Trump administration’s diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
In response to the growing threat of conflict and potential Iranian retaliation, the United States took urgent precautions. On Wednesday, Washington began pulling diplomats out of Iraq and allowed U.S. military families in the broader Middle East to leave voluntarily — a clear sign of the seriousness of the situation.
Although the full extent of Israel’s military preparations remains unclear, tensions have been building for months. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly pressed President Trump to seize what Israel views as a narrow window of Iranian vulnerability to carry out a military strike.
However, according to the NYT, Trump had previously rejected a similar Israeli proposal, instead advocating for a diplomatic resolution aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. As recently as two weeks ago, Trump is said to have cautioned Netanyahu against launching any attack while U.S.-Iran negotiations were still underway.
