Israel presses US for Iran strike as diplomacy deadline looms

Israel is escalating its campaign to push the Trump administration toward large-scale military action against Iran, viewing any diplomatic agreement between Washington and Tehran as an existential threat. With the 15-day deadline set by President Trump for a nuclear deal expiring next week, Israeli officials are demanding that any agreement address not only Iran's nuclear program but also its ballistic missile capabilities and regional proxy networks.

'Worst-Case Scenario' and Strategic Divergence

Israeli media reports indicate that Tel Aviv's worst-case scenario is a partial agreement that would provide financial relief to Tehran while leaving its missile program and regional influence untouched. The Maariv daily reported that Israeli security circles fear Trump might seek a quick, superficial deal similar to recent arrangements with the Houthis. According to Politico magazine, some White House officials have suggested that having Israel strike first would be politically advantageous, potentially triggering Iranian retaliation and generating American public support for a US intervention—a strategy born from polls showing Americans favor regime change but oppose US casualties.

Regional Repercussions and US Concerns

Lebanese Foreign Minister Yusuf Recci revealed that Israel has threatened to target Lebanon's infrastructure should Hezbollah enter any potential US-Iran conflict, following Hezbollah's pledge not to remain neutral if Iran is attacked. Meanwhile, US military officials warn of insufficient air defense missile stocks, with extensive use of Standard-3 and Patriot systems raising concerns that prolonged conflict could leave tens of thousands of American troops vulnerable. Some members of Congress also caution that a protracted confrontation with Tehran would undermine US military deterrence against China, as the Center for Strategic and International Studies notes current force levels are adequate for limited strikes but insufficient for regime change objectives.