Official statements from the White House or Israeli government, or verified reports from major news outlets

Trump Weighs Airstrikes on Iran's Nuclear Program, Discussed Options with Netanyahu Amid Sanctions Concerns

Dec 16, 2024, 04:50 PM

President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly considering options, including potential preventive airstrikes, to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, according to the Wall Street Journal. Concerned that economic sanctions may not be sufficient to contain Tehran's nuclear ambitions, Trump's advisers are weighing military action as a viable strategy. Trump has allegedly discussed these considerations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some incoming Trump officials and associates believe that attacking Iran may deter its nuclear prospects, while others, including Vice President-elect Vance, have voiced opposition to military action. When asked about the possibility of preemptive strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, Trump declined to provide a direct answer, stating, "Am I going to do preemptive strikes? Why would I say that? Can you imagine if I said 'yes' or 'no'? Is that a serious question? You don't talk about that before something may or may not happen." Mark Fitzpatrick, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, commented on the likelihood of another war starting in the region.