Washington is signaling a preference for Israel to launch the first strike against Iran in any future military confrontation, according to a report published Wednesday by Israeli media outlet Israel Hayom.
The strategic shift reflects growing coordination between the Trump administration and Jerusalem as tensions with Tehran escalate over Iran's nuclear program and regional military activities. The report suggests that American officials believe an Israeli-led operation would provide tactical advantages and allow the United States to maintain greater operational flexibility.
The coordination comes as Iran continues to enrich uranium to near weapons-grade levels and as intelligence reports indicate increased integration between Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and proxy forces across the region. Israeli defense officials have been conducting extensive planning exercises for potential strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, particularly the underground Fordow enrichment site.
In Israel, as across contested regions, security concerns and aspirations for normalcy exist in constant tension. The current security establishment views Iran's advancing nuclear program as an existential threat that may require preemptive action, while some Israeli political figures warn of the economic and diplomatic costs of unilateral military operations.
Strategic calculations behind the preference
Several factors appear to drive Washington's preference for an Israeli-led strike. Israeli forces have greater regional proximity, allowing for more sustained operations without the logistical challenges of long-range American deployments. Additionally, an Israeli strike would allow the United States to provide intelligence and defensive support while maintaining diplomatic room for de-escalation.
The approach also reflects broader Trump administration policies favoring regional allies taking primary responsibility for their security challenges, with American backing playing a supporting role. This contrasts with previous administrations that maintained more direct American military involvement in Middle East operations.
However, the strategy carries significant risks. An Israeli strike on Iran could trigger retaliation not only against Israel but across the region, potentially drawing American forces into a wider conflict despite efforts to maintain distance. Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen have demonstrated their capacity for coordinated responses.
Regional and international reactions
The reported preference has generated concern among European allies who continue to pursue diplomatic solutions to the Iranian nuclear impasse. France and Germany have urged both Washington and Jerusalem to exhaust diplomatic options before considering military action.
Within Israel, the report has intensified existing debates over military strategy. Former defense officials note that previous Israeli strikes on nuclear facilities in Iraq and Syria were conducted with limited international warning, and that telegraphing intentions could compromise operational security.
Palestinian officials, meanwhile, warn that heightened regional tensions will further diminish prospects for renewed peace negotiations, as security concerns dominate Israeli political calculations.
The coordination discussions occur as Israel continues military operations in Gaza following the October 2023 war, maintains regular strikes against Iranian positions in Syria, and manages security challenges along the Lebanon border where Hezbollah maintains substantial military capabilities.
Neither the Pentagon nor the Israeli Defense Forces provided official comment on the report. However, Israeli officials speaking on background confirmed that high-level military coordination with American counterparts has intensified in recent months, focusing on Iranian capabilities and potential response scenarios.
