Politics
REPORT: Israel Is Aggressively Lobbying For Direct US Involvement In Its Iran War
Israel has formally asked the Trump Administration to join with its war against Iran over the last 48 hours, according to a report from Axios citing two unnamed Israeli officials.
Israel has launched a number of precision strikes against Iranian nuclear and military sites in recent days, leading to the death of several senior Iranian Army and Revolutionary Guard commanders. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have also eliminated a number of Iranian nuclear scientists and have now started to target oil fields and refineries.
Iran has responded with a number of ballistic missile attacks across Israel, the most recent of which occurred on Saturday night. Israeli Iron Dome defenses have largely been able to intercept most missiles and drones launched by Iran and its proxies, though casualties are mounting as some get through.
According to a report from Axios, Israel lacks the bunker buster bombs and large bomber aircraft needed in order to strike the Fordow uranium enrichment site, which is built into a mountain and deep underground. Israel is asking the Trump Administration to participate in the assault with the assets it needs, which are within flying distance of the site.
As of this report, the Trump Administration has distanced itself from Israel’s offensive operations, though U.S. Military assets have been used to shoot down missiles and drones fired at Israeli territory.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defense,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Thursday after Israel launched its initial strikes. “President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target U.S. interests or personnel.”
A direct attack on Iran would directly draw the U.S. into the conflict, something President Trump campaigned on not doing. An attack would also places U.S. military bases and diplomatic posts in the Middle East at risk of Iranian missile, rocket and drone attacks.
One unnamed Israeli official claimed that President Trump told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that the U.S. would indeed strike Iran if deemed necessary. An unnamed White House official denied the claim on Friday, however.
A second administration source confirmed to Axios that Israel has asked the U.S. for offensive support, but reiterated that a direct strike is not currently being considered. A senior White House official told Axios Saturday that “whatever happens today cannot be prevented,” in reference to Israel’s attacks.
“But we have the ability to negotiate a successful peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing. The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program,” the senior official added.
Israel is likely to continue lobbying for direct U.S, involvement, as Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter told Fox News on Friday that a strike on the Fordow site is necessary to complete Israeli objectives. “The entire operation… really has to be completed with the elimination of Fordow,” he said.
