Israeli FM shuts down rumours of May airstrikes on Iran

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has dismissed recent reports claiming that Israel is preparing to carry out airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear programme as early as May, labeling the speculation “unfounded”.

In an interview, Sa’ar addressed the rumors directly, stating, “I am a member of the security cabinet, and all the intimate forums, and I don’t remember such a decision,” Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

Responding to mounting media speculation of a near-term military operation, the minister emphasised that no formal decision had been made to take action against Iran at this time.

Sa’ar explained that the Israeli occupation is committed to the objective of preventing Iran from having nuclear weapons. If that objective can be achieved by a diplomatic path, it is accepted. 

Nevertheless, Sa’ar expressed skepticism toward Tehran’s intentions, warning that Iran may seek to enter into a limited agreement with international powers as a stalling tactic to avoid a long-term resolution to its nuclear ambitions. 

He noted that Iran is currently in a position of relative weakness, and stressed that the international community must not waste this strategic advantage. Sa’ar urged that it was the time to act, before the balance of power shifted again.

US President Donald Trump declined to support Israeli plan for strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites during an April meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump informed him that Washington would not support Israel’s proposed military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities. According to the report, Israel had considered launching the operation as early as May, but Trump opted not to endorse the plan, favoring instead a diplomatic approach focused on negotiating restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

By Naila Huseynova