WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump warned Thursday that Israel “could very well” launch a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, adding pressure ahead of key diplomatic negotiations set to take place in Oman this weekend.
Although Trump stressed he favors a diplomatic resolution and does not believe a military strike is imminent, he confirmed the U.S. authorized dependents of American military personnel to leave the region, citing the risk of a “massive conflict.”
“We are fairly close to a pretty good agreement,” Trump said. “But if I think there’s a chance of that, I don’t want [Israel] going in, because I think it would blow it.”
Critical Talks Scheduled in Oman
The upcoming discussions between U.S. and Iranian officials in Muscat will be the sixth round of talks aimed at resolving longstanding disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. Western diplomats view the talks as a pivotal moment, with outcomes that could either reduce tensions or push the region toward military escalation.
While Iran is seeking relief from international sanctions, it has held firm on its position that it will not stop enriching uranium on its own soil—an issue that remains a sticking point in negotiations.
UN Watchdog Rebukes Iran Over Nuclear Compliance
The International Atomic Energy Agency’s board issued a rare formal rebuke of Iran on Thursday, stating the country was in breach of its non-proliferation obligations. This marked the first such censure in two decades, underscoring international concerns over Tehran’s nuclear activities.
Raz Zimmt, a former Israeli intelligence analyst, described the current state of affairs as a “crossroads.”
“Either there will be a breakthrough in negotiations. Or there will be the military option,” Zimmt said.
U.S. Precautions and Strategic Messaging
President Trump said he authorized the precautionary withdrawal of American military families to avoid putting lives at risk.
“We have a lot of American people in this area… I said, ‘we gotta tell them to go out because something could happen soon.’”
Despite these measures, many regional analysts interpret the drawdown as part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Iran, rather than a sign that immediate military action is expected.
Questions About Timing of Possible Israeli Action
Speculation remains about whether Israel would act before Sunday’s negotiations. Some officials noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s son is scheduled to be married early next week, suggesting domestic considerations may delay any decision.
Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Thursday his country had seen no evidence that a strike was imminent.
“We have no signs, apart from what the Americans have done,” Tajani told reporters.
An operative linked to Iran-aligned militias in Baghdad characterized recent developments as “performance art” intended to influence the outcome of the Oman talks.
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