U.S. Solicited for Participation in Airstrikes Targeting Iran's Nuclear Installations, Sources Inform Axios
Article Rewrite:
Israeli officials have reportedly asked the Trump administration to join forces in striking Iran's nuclear program, focusing on the fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site, according to a June 14 report by Axios.
With mounting pressure, Israel's military operations against Iranian targets persist, and the nation's leaders openly admit their lack of ability to destroy the Fordow facility alone. Located deep within a mountain, the Fordow site's robust architecture eludes Israel's conventional weaponry. With U.S. forces stationed nearby, however, they possess the necessary power-packed bombs and aircraft suitable for obliterating such hidden fortifications.
An Israeli official privy to the conversation detailed that Trump hinted at contemplating joint action during a recent chat with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Contrarily, a White House representative flatly denied this claim on June 13.
Subsequently, a second U.S. official verified that Israel had suggested engaging America in the matter, but clarified that the administration is not currently weighing its participation. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, disclosed to Fox News on June 13 that "eradicating Fordow in its entirety is an integral component of the operation."
An Israeli source said that the U.S. is pondering the request, and hopes that Trump will provide his agreement.
An unnamed senior White House officer shared with Axios on June 14 that "cessation of today's events is beyond our reach." The official further expressed optimism, saying, "If Iran is willing to negotiate, we can work towards a successful, peaceful resolution to this conflict. The swiftest route to achieving peace lies in Iran forfeiting its nuclear weapons program."
U.S. administrators have consistently maintained that Iranian reprisals must nix targeting American forces, reasoning that the current Israeli operation fails to warrant attacks on U.S. interests.
Enrichment notes: The Trump administration opted against joining military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, with the Fordow site being a specific point of interest. While the administration exhibited tensions with Iran under the Trump presidency, it did not engage in a joint military operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities such as Fordow. The tensions culminated in incidents, like the U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in May 2018, and the killing of Qassem Soleimani in January 2020[1].
At a later date, Israel initiated strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, missile sites, scientists, and generals. These operations occurred independently from any joint mission with the U.S. under the Trump administration, as this administration ceased to exist before these strikes took place[1][2].
- Amidst the general news of war-and-conflicts, there have been reports suggesting that Israeli officials asked the Trump administration to help strike Iran's nuclear program, focusing on the fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site.
- Despite the political implications and ongoing tensions with Iran, it is important to note that the Trump administration did not engage in a joint military operation targeting Iranian nuclear facilities such as Fordow, as indicated by enrichment notes on the subject.
