NBC Has Learned What Convinced Trump Of The Need For Israeli Strikes On Iran

The U.S. President was opposed to the operation, but then gave tacit approval.

Israel, shortly before launching an operation against Iran, was able to convince the U.S. of the validity of its concerns about Iran's nuclear program, NBC reported, citing five U.S. officials and two Middle Eastern officials. Two sources, a Republican ally and two former U.S. officials with knowledge of the discussions also shared those details with the network.

Trump initially opposed Israel launching an operation and favored talks with Tehran, the sources said. The US president also expected that his special envoy for the Middle East Steve Whitkoff, who was due to hold another round of talks with Iran on June 15, would soon be able to reach an agreement on the nuclear deal.

A few days before the first strikes on Iran, however, Trump could be persuaded that Israel's growing concern over Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities was well-founded. Another reason for the change of heart was the IAEA's claim that Iran was violating its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Trump also did not want to be a president under which Iran could get nuclear weapons.

A significant role in changing the position of the American president was played by Israel, the work on this direction was conducted non-publicly, writes NBC. Trump himself hoped to convince Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, who visited the White House in early April, to abandon the operation against Iran.

Trump's position on Israel's military operation began to take its current form on June 8. At that time, Israeli officials had already begun sharing information with U.S. counterparts of the future campaign. U.S. Air Force Gen. Dan Kane, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, provided Trump that day with a report on Israel's plans and U.S. capabilities to support its operation, the Republican gave his "tacit approval" and decided to give the Israeli side limited U.S. support, NBC writes.

Kane told Trump of several options for the United States. They included logistical support such as refueling Israeli fighter jets, sharing intelligence and using the U.S. military's electronic warfare capabilities to help Israel suppress Iranian weapons and jam communications. Another option was direct military support for Israel, such as a scenario in which U.S. aircraft would conduct active bombing missions alongside Israeli fighter jets. A third option was complete inaction.

Trump concluded that Israel was determined to neutralize Iran's nuclear capabilities. He also concluded that the US would have to provide Israel with some defensive and intelligence support.

At the same time, the Republican did not support Israel's plan to assassinate Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the TV channel reported. The US president's rationale was that no Americans have been killed in the Israel-Iran conflict, officials said. About Trump's "veto" on Khamenei's assassination, Reuters also wrote earlier.

The US is not involved in the armed conflict between Israel and Iran. At the same time, Washington has openly supported the Israeli side. Axios wrote that the US has been helping Israel with repelling Iranian air attacks. Washington has also began moving refueling planes across the Atlantic.

According to the publication, Israel has been asking Trump for days to join strikes on Iran. The Republican has not ruled out that Washington could take such a step if necessary, a source told Axios.

You can support the website Charter97.org

MULTI-CURRENCY ACCOUNT FOR ASSISTANCE:

Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims

You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com