Overview
- CBS News reports that President Trump told Benjamin Netanyahu in December he would support Israeli strikes on Iran’s ballistic missile program if diplomacy fails, citing anonymous sources.
- Senior U.S. military and intelligence officials have begun internal discussions on potential assistance for Israeli operations, including aerial refueling and routes requiring third‑country overflight.
- The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is redeploying toward the Middle East, a move Trump described as prudent insurance should negotiations falter.
- Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have publicly said their airspace will not be used for strikes on Iran, creating operational hurdles for any long‑range mission.
- A second round of indirect U.S.–Iran nuclear talks is expected in Geneva this week, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveling, as Netanyahu demands removal of enriched uranium, dismantled enrichment capability and curbs on missiles.