US intelligence reports: Israel considering strikes on Iranian nuclear sites

US intelligence agencies concluded during the final days of the Biden administration that Israel is considering significant strikes on Iranian nuclear sites this year, officials familiar with the report told The Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. According to the report, another intelligence assessment written in the early days of the Trump administration also determined that Israel is considering strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. US military officials said that American support, including arms, is essential for Israel to carry out such attacks.

The report follows comments from US President Donald Trump in recent days that he would rather reach a deal with Iran on its nuclear program than have Israel attack Iran’s nuclear facilities. In 2018, during his first term in office, Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers, reinstating strict US sanctions as part of his "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran.

In response, Iran has taken many steps to scale back its compliance with the deal. In its latest step to advance its nuclear program, Iran recently informed the IAEA of its intention to "significantly increase" its production of uranium enriched up to 60 percent.  (Read More)