Report: US advisers eye Israeli strike on Iran

2026-02-26 - 23:02

Senior advisers to Donald Trump have discussed the potential political benefits of Israel initiating military action against Iran before Washington takes direct steps, according to a report by Politico. Citing sources familiar with internal deliberations, the publication said some administration officials believe that if Israel were to act first and Iran responded by targeting US personnel or assets, it could make it easier to consolidate public backing for expanded American involvement. Political calculus amid diplomacy One source was quoted as saying there is “thinking in and around the administration that the politics are a lot better if the Israelis go first and alone.” The reported debate comes as indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue, underscoring that military contingencies are being assessed in parallel with diplomatic engagement. A joint US-Israeli operation remains a possibility, although some officials reportedly favor an initial unilateral move by Israel. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly declined to comment on the report, telling Politico that speculation regarding the president’s intentions is premature. Officials are also said to be weighing potential risks, including American casualties and the strain sustained operations could place on US military resources. Nuclear talks under Omani mediation Tehran and Washington have held two rounds of indirect discussions mediated by Oman since nuclear diplomacy resumed last month, following regional efforts — including outreach by Türkiye — to reduce tensions. A third round of talks is currently taking place in Geneva. After the previous meeting on Feb. 17, both sides described the atmosphere as constructive and said they had agreed on guiding principles toward a possible framework. Uncertainty persists over the state of Iran’s nuclear program following June 2025 strikes on three key facilities, which Trump at the time said had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. In recent remarks, however, the US president suggested Tehran has not clearly renounced nuclear weapons ambitions. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said in a television interview that Iran is “weeks away” from building a nuclear weapon. The latest diplomatic round unfolds against the backdrop of an expanded US military presence in the Persian Gulf and recent drills by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, heightening regional uncertainty as negotiations proceed.