Israel has formally called on the Trump administration to join in military operations targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, specifically the heavily fortified Fordow uranium enrichment site, officials confirmed over the weekend.
According to Axios, although Israel has pressed the United States to participate in attacks against Iran, the Trump administration has publicly maintained its distance while expressing concern about escalating the conflict.
According to U.S. and Israeli sources, the request came during the last 48 hours, amid rising military engagement in the region by Israeli forces. Israel reportedly lacks the advanced weapons, including bunker-busting bombs and long-range bombers, required to destroy the deeply buried Fordow facility. Built under a mountain, Fordow has long been viewed as one of Iran’s most secure nuclear sites.
The Israeli government hopes the United States will act as a military partner due to its more advanced equipment and its capacity to conduct such a difficult operation. U.S. forces are better positioned geographically and technically to hit a target like Fordow effectively, Israeli officials say. Since the start of Israel’s military campaign against Iran, the discussion of U.S. involvement has been a repeated topic in conversations between Israeli and American representatives.
Trump Administration Hesitant to Escalate Conflict
Despite the urgency expressed by Israeli leaders, the Trump administration has so far refrained from committing to military action. A senior White House official told Axios on Saturday that the administration is not currently considering Israeli requests to join the fight. Another official confirmed Israel’s appeal had been made, but clarified that Washington remains cautious about direct involvement.
One concern shared by the administration is that a U.S.-launched attack, even if limited to Fordow, would likely trigger Iranian retaliation. Officials fear this could escalate an already volatile situation into a larger regional conflict. So far, U.S. officials maintain that any act of retribution by Iran against American installations or personnel would be considered illegitimate.
Axios also reported that President Trump recently spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to an unnamed Israeli official, Trump appeared open to possible participation if circumstances worsened. However, the White House issued a denial on Friday, dismissing the claim that the president gave any assurance of military support during the conversation.
Israeli Leaders Emphasize the Threat of Fordow
Israel has made clear that its operation against Iran cannot achieve its full objectives without eliminating Fordow. Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter said in an interview with Fox News on Friday that the campaign “really has to be completed” through the destruction of the facility. His comments reflect a broader sentiment among Israeli officials who argue that their country lacks the firepower needed for a successful solo assault.
Leiter’s remarks follow days of mounting pressure behind the scenes, as Israeli representatives have pushed their American counterparts to reconsider their reluctance. A source familiar with the discussions said the United States is reviewing Israel’s proposal but emphasized that no decision has been made about taking action. Israeli officials continue to hope President Trump may ultimately decide to intervene.
According to one U.S. official, the administration is weighing the risks of potential involvement against the broader stakes of containing Iran’s nuclear development. President Trump has made clear in past statements that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons, but so far, he has not authorized a military option in this case.
White House Encourages Diplomatic Resolution Over Force
While military considerations remain on the table, senior White House advisers continue to hold out hope for a diplomatic resolution. On Saturday, a senior administration official commented that “whatever happens today cannot be prevented,” a statement that appeared to acknowledge the ongoing nature of Israeli operations. The same official underscored that a peaceful solution is still achievable. “We can negotiate a successful, peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing,” the official said. “The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program.”
These comments reinforce the U.S. message that diplomacy should be prioritized and that Tehran must take steps to reduce tensions by abandoning its nuclear ambitions. Washington has repeatedly warned Iran that its current path carries serious consequences, but has stopped short of committing to military intervention in support of Israeli objectives.
Future U.S. Role Remains Unclear as Pressure Mounts
The coming days are likely to determine whether the Trump administration will reconsider its stance in the face of continued appeals from Israel. For now, American officials appear determined to avoid entanglement unless necessary. Still, key decision-makers have not ruled out the possibility entirely. Israeli leaders seem to believe that time is running out to eliminate what they view as a critical threat posed by the Fordow facility. With domestic political support and serious concerns over regional stability, they are making one last push for American involvement before escalating their operations further.
As the situation in the region remains tense and fast-moving, international observers are watching closely to see whether the administration will shift its policy. Any change in U.S. posture could significantly reshape the dynamics of the conflict and influence the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
