The Jewish state reportedly intended to conduct strikes on nuclear sites next month

US President Donald Trump has rejected Israel's proposal to strike Iran's nuclear sites, the New York Times reported on Wednesday evening, citing White House officials and others familiar with the matter. Trump reportedly chose instead to pursue a new deal with Tehran.

According to the NYT, Israel had drafted plans to attack Iran's nuclear facilities in early May, aiming to delay its ability to develop a nuclear weapon by a year or more. After considering a combination of airstrikes and commando raids, the Jewish state reportedly proposed "an extensive bombing campaign" that would have lasted more than a week. Israeli officials had hoped that the US would not only greenlight the operation but also actively support it.

Trump, however, shot down the plan earlier this month, following a "rough consensus" in the White House. Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard were among the top administration officials who reportedly raised concerns that the strikes would "spark a wider conflict with Iran."

Iran and Israel exchanged strikes in April and October of last year, marking the most dramatic escalation between the regional rivals.

Trump tore up the 2015 UN-backed agreement on Iran's nuclear program during his first term in office. He accused Tehran of secretly violating the deal and reimposed sanctions. Iran responded by rolling back its own compliance with the accord and accelerating its enrichment of uranium.

Last month, Trump threatened to bomb Iran "if they don't make a deal," to which the Islamic Republic vowed not to bow to pressure. Despite the belligerent rhetoric, the US and Iran held the first round of talks in Oman on Saturday. The negotiations took place in a "productive, calm and positive atmosphere," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

(RT.com)