CNN reported that Israel was preparing to attack Iran’s nuclear sites.
It is stated in the report that it’s unclear whether a decision has been taken.
CNN reported that the US had received new intelligence suggesting Israel was preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites, while the Trump administration pursued a diplomatic agreement with Tehran.
US officials have said that such a strike would represent a brazen break from President Donald Trump. This could also lead to a wider regional conflict in the Middle East, something that the US has been trying to avoid ever since the Gaza war escalated tensions in 2023.
Officials warn that it is not clear whether Israeli leaders have reached a final decision and that there are deep divisions within the US government over the likelihood of Israel taking action. Israel’s decision to strike and its method of attack will depend on how it views the US-Tehran nuclear negotiations.
Another person familiar with US Intelligence on the matter said that “the chances of an Israeli strike against an Iranian nuclear facility have increased significantly in recent years.” The prospect of an Iran-US deal negotiated by Trump that does not remove all the uranium from Iran makes a strike more probable.
Oil prices rose after reports.
The price of oil rose by more than 1% Wednesday, after reports that Israel was preparing to attack Iranian nuclear facilities sparked fears about a Middle East supply disruption.
Brent futures were up 79 cents or 1.2% to $66.17 per barrel at 1018 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude jumped 82 Cents, or 1.3% to $62.85…
The commodities strategists at ING said that such an escalation could not only threaten Iranian supplies, but would also put supply in danger across the region.
