&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "US to back Israeli strikes on Iran? What Trump told Netanyahu if deal fails")
US President Donald Trump reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December that he would back Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile program if Washington and Tehran could not reach a deal. The revelation comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East as another round of talks is set to take place in Geneva, and the US expands its military presence in the region.
According to a CBS report, citing sources familiar with the matter, internal discussions between senior officials in the US military and intelligence agencies have started on the possibility of supporting fresh Israeli strikes on Iran.
Last year, the US joined Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. CBS reported that Washington’s role this time will involve helping jets refuel in midair or aiding Israel in receiving permission to fly over neighbouring countries. Meanwhile, several countries have voiced that they would not allow their airspace be used for an attack on Iran.
Also read | ‘We will go full force’: Trump and Netanyahu agree to ramp up ‘maximum pressure’ on Iran’s oil
The report comes ahead of the second round of negotiations between the US and Iran in Geneva to discuss Iran’s nuclear program.
Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 15) said that any deal between the US and Iran must include the removal of all enriched uranium from Iran as well as Tehran’s ability to enrich more.
Trending Stories
)
Indus treaty can no longer function in its current form, says India; plans 5,500 mw of new J&K hydro projects
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Meet top 5 batters with most runs in India vs Zimbabwe T20Is
)
Sonam Wangchuk's connection with George Soros and Ford Foundation explained!
)
'George Soros playbook': Understanding the foreign funding network around Sonam Wangchuk
)
'There is no need for...': PM Modi takes a veiled dig at Rahul Gandhi, sends big message amid Parliament March
)
'Now come to us': CJP resumes protest after Parliament march violence, calls meeting with Nadda 'waste of time'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
2026 FIFA World Cup awards: Full list of Golden Boot, Golden Ball, Golden Glove and every major winner
)
'What is wrong...': Anna Hazare breaks silence on Sonam Wangchuk's protest, makes an appeal to Centre
)
Xi Jinping's new AI bloc: China launches 'World AI Body' with Pakistan and Russia in, India out
)
'We acted immediately...': Indian PM Modi breaks silence on paper leaks as NEET protest, calls for Education Minister's resignation grows
)
UP BTech gold medalist dies by suicide after failing in nearly 50 govt job attempts, leaves note for father
)
'Guru is the...': Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan shares message on education amid calls for his resignation
)
Jail over Khamenei post: J&K youth returns home after 3 months in Saudi custody
)
Japan is selling a refrigerator to cool the human body for Rs 9 lakh. It is already a hit in Tokyo
)
Truck loaded with stones, metro stations closed: What's happening at Jantar Mantar now
)
Student union leaders call off hunger strike at Jantar Mantar after civil society appeal, but protest continues
)
Salman Khan breaks silence on health concerns after viral Mumbai appearance
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why US fighter jets use seamless bubble canopies compared to Russian jets
)
Iran strikes Amazon data infrastructure in Bahrain, power, water desalination plants in Kuwait
)
3.5-million-year-old mystery creature found in Japan is a 'giant' never seen before
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why the F-22’s cockpit glass is thicker than a standard fighter jet
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
FIFA World Cup 2026 team of the tournament: The best XI that ruled football’s biggest stage
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (July 20-26, 2026): Musafir Cafe, Adarsh Baal Vidyalaya, 72 Hours- 5 new titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
FACT CHECK: Was Abhijit Dipke detained during CJP's Parliament march? Here's what police say
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that Trump has made it clear that he would prefer diplomacy and a negotiated settlement.
“No one’s ever been able to do a successful deal with Iran, but we’re going to try,” Rubio said.
Axios reported that Trump and Netanyahu have agreed to intensify economic pressure on Iran to force Tehran give up its nuclear program, and also reduce its oil sales to China.
According to the report, more than 80 per cent of Iranian oil exports are sent to China. Reducing Beijing’s oil purchases from Iran could significantly increase economic pressure on Tehran. The pressure campaign will take place alongside the talks on Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing US military buildup in the Middle East if negotiations fail.
Watch | US-Iran Talk: Netanyahu Demands All Uranium Leave Iran Ahead Geneva Talks
