Trump Halts Israeli Strike on Iran, Chooses Diplomacy Despite Netanyahu’s Push for Nuclear Attack

In a bombshell report by The New York Times, journalists Julian Barnes, Eric Schmitt, Maggie Haberman, and Ronen Bergman revealed that Israel was preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites as early as next month, but former U.S. President Donald Trump blocked the plan, choosing instead to reopen negotiations with Tehran.

According to the report, Trump made his decision after months of internal debate over whether to support an Israeli military option or pursue diplomacy with a weakened Iran—economically battered and militarily constrained.

“Trump ultimately opted to avoid entangling the U.S. in another Middle Eastern war,” the article stated.

He instead gave Iran a limited window to negotiate, instructing his team to engage diplomatically before considering any military escalation.

Netanyahu’s Push for War—And Trump’s Rejection

The article highlights how Israeli officials had drawn up concrete plans to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities by May, expecting U.S. aerial and logistical support. Netanyahu was reportedly optimistic that Trump would approve the operation, which Israel hoped would set Iran’s nuclear programme back by a year or more.

But in early April, during a meeting at the White House, Trump informed Netanyahu directly that the U.S. would not endorse the strike. While Netanyahu tried to pivot the conversation toward tariff disputes, Trump used the meeting to announce a new round of diplomatic engagement with Iran.

“Any future agreement,” Netanyahu later said, “must include permission to inspect and dismantle Iran’s facilities under American oversight.”

Israel’s Shift Toward Covert Operations

Having lost U.S. military backing, Israel recalibrated its strategy. Intelligence officials refocused on:

• • Covert sabotage of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure

• • Targeted assassinations of nuclear scientists

While these operations have delayed Iran’s capabilities, the Islamic Republic is now reportedly months away from being able to produce multiple nuclear warheads.

The report confirms that Israel has long sought to acquire America’s most powerful bunker-buster bomb—a 30,000-pound conventional weapon capable of destroying deep underground sites—but has been denied access to it.

Doubts Within the U.S. Military and Intelligence Community

Gabbard’s intelligence brief concluded that a direct U.S. role could ignite a regional war—a risk the Trump administration ultimately refused to take.

The article also notes that Trump, while open to diplomacy, remained firm that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons, stating:

“All options remain on the table. But diplomacy won’t be endless.”

Secret Communications with Iran

In March, Trump sent a message offering direct negotiations, which Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei initially rejected. However, on March 28, a senior Iranian official responded, expressing willingness to engage in indirect talks.

The Trump team continued to deliberate on acceptable terms, with internal disagreement over what kind of deal could be viable. Advisor Vance reportedly argued that Trump had a “historic opportunity” to achieve a breakthrough deal.

Military Build-Up and Regional Tensions

Despite the diplomatic track, the U.S. quietly increased military readiness:

• • Two aircraft carriers, USS Carl Vinson and USS Harry S. Truman, were deployed to the Arabian Sea and Red Sea

• • THAAD missile systems and six B-2 bombers were moved to Diego Garcia

• • Secret joint strike options and expanded sanctions were discussed with Israeli intelligence officials

Following Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, Trump sent CIA Director John Ratcliffe to meet with Netanyahu and Mossad chief David Barnea to review all options.

May Strike Postponed—But Not Cancelled

Initially, Israel favoured a combination of airstrikes and a special forces raid on underground sites. But logistical delays in commando readiness pushed Israeli planners to shift toward a week-long aerial bombing campaign, with U.S. assistance.

The operation was set to begin by early May, starting with a destruction of remaining Iranian air defence systems, especially after Israel had already taken out Iran’s Russian-made S-300 platforms in earlier attacks.

Iran’s Position: Prepared for War, Open to Peace

Iranian officials, including the President, Foreign Minister, and Armed Forces Commander, reiterated a desire to avoid war, but promised a firm and decisive response to any act of aggression by Israel or the U.S..

“We do not seek war,” said General Mohammad Bagheri, Iran’s top military officer.

“But any attack on the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic will be met with overwhelming force.”