Israel may launch a military operation against Iran's nuclear facilities soon after Donald Trump's formal inauguration as US president, European officials say, according to statements published by the Arabic newspaper Al Arabiya. They believe the decision is linked to a possible change in the political environment and US attitudes toward Israel's actions in the region under the new president.
According to sources, Jerusalem is considering the possibility of striking strategic Iranian facilities in order to stop the development of its nuclear program. Israel has accused Tehran for years of creating nuclear weapons under the guise of a peaceful nuclear program. The Iranian authorities, in turn, claim that their activities are exclusively peaceful in nature, aimed at satisfying the country's energy needs.
Sources say Donald Trump, known for his tough stance on Iran during his previous term, could back such a move by Israel, while European diplomats are worried that a strike on Iran would trigger a sharp escalation in the Middle East that would affect the entire region and lead to unpredictable consequences.
Israel has not officially commented on the plans to strike, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stressed that his country will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. He said Israel is prepared to take decisive action if Tehran is found to be in violation of international agreements on its nuclear program.