U.S. President Donald Trump blocked a proposed Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this year, opting instead to pursue direct negotiations aimed at curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.
The report, citing U.S. officials and others briefed on the matter, said Israel had prepared plans to attack Iranian sites in May. The goal was to delay Iran’s nuclear programme by at least a year. However, the operation required U.S. backing, not only to support Israel’s defence in the face of Iranian retaliation but also to ensure the mission’s success.
Trump, after months of internal debate, ultimately rejected the military option, instead directing his administration to explore a diplomatic track.
That decision paved the way for the first direct talks between the United States and Iran during Trump’s presidency. The two sides met in Oman last Saturday and described the discussions as "positive" and "constructive."
A second round of talks is expected on Saturday, with Rome being considered as the venue, according to a source briefed on the planning.
The Trump administration has since signalled that any deal with Tehran would need to include stringent limits on uranium enrichment and increased international inspections — conditions similar to those in the 2015 nuclear accord, which Trump withdrew from during his first term.
Officials familiar with the discussions said Israel has not formally abandoned its military planning but is now recalibrating its approach following Washington’s shift.
The White House has not commented publicly on the New York Times report.
The planet is still on track to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, yet most families are having fewer children than they want. Longer lives, lower fertility and uneven migration now demand a rethink of how societies support parents and care for an ageing population.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 26th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The White House plans to restrict classified intelligence sharing with Congress after media leaks contradicted President Donald Trump’s claims about the success of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, setting up a tense briefing with lawmakers.
The World Bank has said it's approved more than $1 billion in new funding to support rebuilding efforts and infrastructure development in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon.
The planet is still on track to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, yet most families are having fewer children than they want. Longer lives, lower fertility and uneven migration now demand a rethink of how societies support parents and care for an ageing population.
North Korea has opened a large coastal resort in its eastern Kalma region, with leader Kim Jong Un describing the project as a key development in the country’s tourism sector, according to state media on Thursday.
Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire BP in a historic £60 billion deal, despite ongoing market speculation about a potential merger between the two oil giants.
Meta has snapped up three star researchers from OpenAI's Zurich lab, escalating the fierce battle for top Artificial Intelligence talent as tech giants race to dominate the next era of artificial intelligence.
Universal’s new theme park in Bedford, UK has secured a government support package worth around £500 million ($686 million) for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
China’s military said it will step up combat readiness in response to recent remarks by Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, accusing him of endangering peace and pushing the island toward war.
North Korea may send more troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine as early as July or August, according to South Korea’s intelligence agency, which also says Pyongyang is continuing arms shipments to Moscow.
The planet is still on track to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, yet most families are having fewer children than they want. Longer lives, lower fertility and uneven migration now demand a rethink of how societies support parents and care for an ageing population.
North Korea has opened a large coastal resort in its eastern Kalma region, with leader Kim Jong Un describing the project as a key development in the country’s tourism sector, according to state media on Thursday.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
The planet is still on track to nearly 10 billion people by 2050, yet most families are having fewer children than they want. Longer lives, lower fertility and uneven migration now demand a rethink of how societies support parents and care for an ageing population.
North Korea has opened a large coastal resort in its eastern Kalma region, with leader Kim Jong Un describing the project as a key development in the country’s tourism sector, according to state media on Thursday.
Shell has denied reports that it is in talks to acquire BP in a historic £60 billion deal, despite ongoing market speculation about a potential merger between the two oil giants.
Meta has snapped up three star researchers from OpenAI's Zurich lab, escalating the fierce battle for top Artificial Intelligence talent as tech giants race to dominate the next era of artificial intelligence.
Universal’s new theme park in Bedford, UK has secured a government support package worth around £500 million ($686 million) for rail and road upgrades, as part of a wider package to boost infrastructure ahead of the park’s planned 2031 opening.
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