Axios: Israel seeks US backing for potential strikes as Iran nuclear threat looms

Israel is preparing for the possibility of renewed military action against Iran if Tehran attempts to revive its nuclear programme, with Israeli officials increasingly confident that U.S. President Donald Trump could support such moves under specific scenarios, according to sources familiar with ongoing discussions.

The Iranian nuclear issue topped the agenda at a private dinner held on July 7 between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Axios has learned. Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to secure a joint understanding with Trump over the course of future U.S. nuclear negotiations with Iran, as well as the potential conditions that would justify renewed Israeli military strikes.

According to two sources briefed on internal Israeli deliberations, Netanyahu’s close adviser and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer relayed to officials in Jerusalem that he received positive signals during recent meetings in Washington. Dermer reportedly came away with the impression that Trump’s inner circle would support Israeli military action should Iran cross certain red lines.

One such red line, Israeli officials say, would be any Iranian attempt to remove highly enriched uranium from the damaged nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, or Isfahan. Another would be a clear resumption of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme or efforts to rebuild centrifuge infrastructure.

During his trip to Washington last week, Dermer met with key figures in the Trump administration, including Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and White House special envoy Steve Witkoff. While Dermer declined to comment, Israeli officials say those meetings provided strategic clarity regarding future U.S.-Israel coordination.

In parallel, Trump has made public statements since the end of the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, signalling that a renewed American military strike remains an option if Iran resumes uranium enrichment. However, he has also expressed a preference for pursuing a diplomatic solution to prevent further escalation.

A central focus in Dermer’s discussions was Iran’s current stockpile of highly enriched uranium—estimated at around 400kg enriched to 60%. Although weapons-grade material requires enrichment levels of about 90%, Israeli and U.S. officials view the existing stockpile as dangerously close to a nuclear breakout.

Sources from both countries confirm that this material remains sealed within three heavily damaged nuclear sites. While Iran has acknowledged the extent of the damage, President Masoud Pezeshkian told Fox News host Tucker Carlson in an interview aired Monday that Iranian authorities still lack full access to inspect the sites and evaluate the state of their nuclear infrastructure.

Intelligence services in both the U.S. and Israel are closely monitoring any Iranian attempts to remove the uranium or begin reconstruction efforts. Officials warn that such actions could serve as tripwires for a rapid escalation.

Looking ahead, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oslo in the coming days in a bid to revive nuclear diplomacy. While Tehran has confirmed preliminary discussions for such a meeting, a final date has not yet been set.

According to Israeli officials, Dermer was assured during his meetings in Washington that the U.S. remains committed to the principle of “zero enrichment” on Iranian soil—reaffirming a longstanding Israeli red line in any future agreement.

By Vugar Khalilov