The US administration under President Donald Trump is considering a military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. As The Washington Post reported on April 18, 2025, citing unnamed US officials, National Security Advisor Mike Walz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are actively advocating for the destruction of infrastructure related to the Iranian nuclear program. This scenario, according to the publication, has already moved from the stage of theoretical discussions to practical preparation, where targets for potential strikes have been identified, and the arguments are based on the threat to global security and the lack of international control over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Sources emphasize that Walz and Rubio’s initiative is supported by a part of the American establishment, including hardliners on Tehran, especially those focused on Israel’s interests. According to analysts, press publications serve as a tool for testing public and international reaction to a possible escalation, signaling the US readiness for decisive action. At the same time, President Trump, despite his bellicose rhetoric, maintains an ambivalent position: on March 30, 2025, in an interview with NBC, he threatened Iran with “unprecedented bombing” if the nuclear talks fail, but emphasized that Washington and Tehran continue their dialogue. This contrast between diplomatic statements and military preparations increases the uncertainty around US intentions.

Tensions over Iran's nuclear program have escalated following indirect talks in Oman on April 12 between U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. According to Reuters, the talks were constructive, and a second round is scheduled for April 19 in Rome. However, as The Washington Post notes, Walz and Rubio are skeptical of the diplomatic efforts, believing that Iran is using the talks to stall for time and advance its program. Their position contrasts with the more reserved views of Vice President J.D. Vance and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who, according to the publication, fear the consequences of a new conflict in the Middle East.

The international community is expressing alarm over a possible escalation. According to Al Jazeera, Iran has ruled out direct talks with the US, insisting on third parties such as Oman to mediate, and has declared its readiness to respond to any aggression. Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as reported by PressTV on April 17, 2025, warned that US or Israeli attempts to strike nuclear facilities would result in a “crushing response.” At the same time, Israel, according to The Times of Israel, has increased pressure on Washington to take decisive action after Trump’s refusal to support an Israeli strike on Iran on April 17, as reported by Interfax.

Walz and Rubio's stance is creating a rift within the Trump administration. According to Politico, their aggressive rhetoric is supported by GOP hawks but met with resistance from those who fear that a war with Iran would destabilize the region and drag the U.S. into a protracted conflict.