Israel Preparing for Swift Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Facilities if Trump-Led Talks Collapse

With nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran reaching a critical point, Israeli defense officials are preparing for the possibility of a swift military operation targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure; should the diplomatic process collapse in the coming weeks.

Talks are set to resume Friday in Rome, but significant gaps remain. A central point of contention: Iran's insistence on maintaining its uranium enrichment capabilities, even under limited terms. U.S. negotiators, led by White House envoy Steve Witkoff, have made clear that Washington sees any level of enrichment as unacceptable.

According to Israeli sources with knowledge of recent security discussions, the IDF believes the window for effectively neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program may soon close. Military exercises and strategic planning have been underway for weeks to ensure Israel is ready to act swiftly, should diplomacy fail. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly convened multiple high-level meetings to assess the situation. Officials close to the matter say Israel’s readiness is not dependent on American support, though coordination with the U.S. remains close.

“The Americans understand that we are preparing for all scenarios,” said one Israeli source. “If the talks collapse, Israel won’t wait long.”

The strategic concern stems from Iran’s expanding nuclear capabilities and the belief that international hesitation could allow Tehran to cross critical thresholds. A senior Israeli official emphasized that, if action is taken, it won’t be a one-off strike but a sustained campaign potentially lasting a week or more.

Meanwhile, voices within the U.S. administration remain divided. While President Trump has signaled openness to renewed negotiations, he also warned of “serious consequences” if Iran stalls or rejects terms seen as essential to preventing weaponization.

In a recent interview, Witkoff reaffirmed the administration’s hard line: “Enrichment is the red line. There’s no room for compromise.”

Tehran’s leadership, however, remains defiant. Both Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have reiterated that enrichment is a national right, and non-negotiable.

As tensions rise, Israeli intelligence assessments have shifted sharply. Where optimism once existed for a near-term agreement, there is now growing anticipation that diplomacy may fail. prompting Israel to act independently if necessary.

“There’s no illusion here,” said another Israeli official. “If a decision needs to be made, it will be made quickly.”

Even so, officials caution that any action would be weighed carefully, considering the regional risks and the ongoing strain on Israel’s air force, which has been engaged in near-constant operations for the past 18 months.