Trump told Netanyahu he would back ‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran’s missile program if talks fail

Trump signals support for ‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran’s missile program if U.S.–Iran talks fail, CBS reports.
President Donald Trump told ‘Israeli’ Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago in December that he would support ‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile program if a deal between Washington and Tehran could not be reached, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to CBS News on condition of anonymity to discuss national security issues.

U.S. Military and Intelligence Discussions
Two months later, CBS News has learned that internal discussions among senior U.S. military and intelligence officials have started considering the possibility of supporting a new round of ‘Israeli’ strikes on Iran. Sources told CBS that American deliberations have focused less on whether ‘Israel’ could act than on how the United States might assist, including aerial refueling for ‘Israeli’ aircraft.

These internal discussions coincide with visible U.S. military movements toward Iran. Especially with the second U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, along with its accompanying warships, is being dispatched to the Middle East. Four U.S. officials said the carrier strike group is expected to redeploy from the Caribbean, placing substantial firepower within range of Iran during a period of heightened tensions.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue
All of this occurs as the Trump administration continues negotiations with Tehran over its nuclear program. Prime Minister Netanyahu has remained openly skeptical of diplomacy with Iran, flying to Washington for talks last Wednesday. He has repeatedly stated that any agreement must include restrictions on ballistic missiles and limits on funding for regional proxies, issues extending beyond the nuclear program.

Iranian officials have expressed a conditional willingness to curb some uranium enrichment in exchange for relief from economic sanctions, though details remain unclear, and no written agreement has been reached.

Upcoming Geneva Talks
The U.S. and Iran are scheduled to hold a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Tuesday in an effort to secure a deal that prevents conflict, Axios reported. Iranian state media confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation are en route to Geneva for the indirect talks, according to the Associated Press.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday that he prefers diplomacy with Iran and confirmed that U.S. envoys Steve Wiktoff and Jared Kushner are traveling to hold important meetings.

Trump Frames Military Movements as Leverage
Speaking at the White House on Friday, President Trump described the carrier deployment as prudent insurance should negotiations fail. By sending additional naval power to the region, Trump appears to be sharpening leverage in ongoing talks with Iran.