Netanyahu threatens to derail US-Iran negotiations by attacking Iran

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to derail negotiations between the United States and Iran by attacking Iranian nuclear facilities.

The report indicated that the Israeli threat led to a tense phone call between Netanyahu and President Trump, and a series of meetings between senior American and Israeli officials in recent days.

Reporters asked Trump on Wednesday whether he had warned Netanyahu against attacking Iran during a phone call last week. He said, "Well, I want to be honest. Yes, I did."

"It's not a warning," the president said. "I said I don't think it's appropriate. We were having very good discussions with Iran, and I don't think it's appropriate now."

Trump added, "If we can resolve it with a very strong document, inspections, and no trust—I don't trust anybody—no trust." He added that he believes the United States and Iran are "very close to a solution," but warned that this solution could "change at any moment."

Trump threatens to bomb Iran if no agreement is reached, even though US intelligence agencies recently confirmed there is no evidence that Iran is developing a nuclear weapon.

The United States is demanding that Iran completely eliminate its nuclear enrichment program as part of any agreement, a condition Tehran has categorically rejected. While the two sides appear far apart, reports indicate the possibility of reaching an interim agreement to buy time for further negotiations toward a long-term agreement.

Netanyahu also demands that any agreement dismantle Iran's nuclear enrichment program and is unlikely to be satisfied with any interim agreement. The Times report stated that Israel could launch an attack on Iran alone, although it is unlikely that Israel would inflict any significant damage on Iranian nuclear facilities without American support.

US officials are concerned that Israel might attack Iran without warning, and that a unilateral attack could draw in the United States. The newspaper report stated that Israeli officials "close to Netanyahu believe the United States would have no choice but to assist Israel militarily if Iran launches a counterattack."

Some indications suggest that the United States and Israel may be considering a covert attack on Iranian nuclear facilities. According to the report, CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently visited Israel to discuss covert options. Israel has a history of launching attacks on Iranian soil, including assassinations and sabotage of nuclear facilities.