Tensions surged across the Middle East on Thursday as Israeli officials informed the Trump administration that they may no longer wait for a diplomatic resolution with Iran over its nuclear program, potentially launching a solo military strike against the Fordo enrichment facility a fortified site seen as the crown jewel of Iran’s atomic ambitions.
According to two high-level sources familiar with the matter, Israel conveyed its position during a tense call with U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump’s top national security advisers. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir reportedly took part in the discussion.
Israel Rejects Two-Week Deadline Set by Trump
The diplomatic rift unfolded after President Donald Trump proposed a two-week deadline to determine if the United States would actively intervene in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. However, Israeli officials expressed frustration over what they described as “too long a wait”, insisting they have a narrow window to act particularly while they maintain air superiority over much of Iranian territory.
“I don’t see them waiting much longer,” one source close to Israeli security officials told Amnewsworld, emphasizing the mounting pressure within Israel’s war cabinet.
A U.S.-based source added that Israel believes delaying action could allow Iran to secure or reinforce Fordo, making a future strike less effective or even impossible.
Fordo Facility in Crosshairs
The Fordo nuclear site, buried deep within a mountain near Qom, is inaccessible to all but the most advanced bunker-busting munitions the kind only the United States possesses. Yet Israeli sources say they are willing to move forward alone, even if it means targeting internal infrastructure rather than obliterating the entire mountain-encased facility.
“Rather than attempting to destroy the entire site, Israel could instead do significant damage to what’s inside,” a senior military source noted.
The strategy would likely involve targeted bombing operations, but ground troop involvement has not been ruled out, according to officials who declined to give operational specifics.
Washington Divided on Support
The call between the Israeli and U.S. officials revealed a growing divide within the Trump administration. Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly opposed immediate American involvement, warning that “Israel is dragging the United States into war.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was also on the call, though his stance remains undisclosed.
“This is Israel’s fight,” said a Washington source familiar with the discussion, noting that while the U.S. remains an ally, direct military action remains off the table for now.
The administration is reportedly still debating whether to offer Israel advanced munitions or intelligence support, as a standalone military operation against Fordo would carry major risks and implications for regional stability.
Momentum and Morality
From Jerusalem’s perspective, the clock is ticking. The political and financial cost of prolonged conflict is mounting, while Iran continues to defy international censure following its recent announcement to activate a third uranium enrichment site, despite being censured by the IAEA for nuclear noncompliance earlier this month.
The Fordo facility is considered especially dangerous due to its advanced IR-6 centrifuges capable of enriching uranium at a rapid pace. Israeli officials argue that neutralizing this capability is a matter of existential security.
Netanyahu, while avoiding public details, has repeatedly refused to rule out unilateral action.
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