Israel fears Trump may cut 'mediocre' nuke deal, impede IDF's ability to strike Iran

There is a real danger that US President Donald Trump could agree to a mediocre nuclear deal with Iran, multiple top Israeli sources have told The Jerusalem Post. If Trump does agree to such a deal, some of the sources are deeply concerned that the president may circumscribe the IDF’s current unique opportunity to strike the Islamic Republic.  

Top Israeli officials have said since October 26 that there was a special window for the air force to strike Tehran’s nuclear program since Israeli fighter jets had eliminated all of its S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems. While Iran still has weaker anti-aircraft systems, they are presumed to be no match for the air force’s advanced fighter jets, which, in any event, bested the S-300 systems in October.

In addition, Israeli officials have noted that, currently, neither Hezbollah nor Hamas are serious retaliatory threats for Iran against Israel, given that both adversaries are themselves severely weakened. For months, there have been high hopes from top Israeli officials that Trump would green-light a major Israeli airstrike on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program, potentially even in the earlier months of 2025 that have already passed. Given the Iranians’ known negotiating positions and Trump’s own mixed statements ranging from opening the gates of hell on Tehran to pushing hard for a deal, some Israeli sources believe that Trump’s readiness to negotiate now makes a mediocre deal more likely. (Read More)