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.

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