Reports about a probable solo strike have been circulating for several months, with the story first appearing on several media outlets in February.
The odds of it happening are increasing, with U.S. intelligence telling CNN the Israelis may be getting ready to do the deed.
"The U.S. has obtained new intelligence suggesting that Israel is making preparations to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, even as the Trump administration has been pursuing a diplomatic deal with Tehran," multiple U.S. officials familiar with the latest intelligence told CNN.
Such a strike would be a brazen break with President Donald Trump, they said. It could also risk tipping off a broader regional conflict in the Middle East — something the U.S. has sought to avoid since the war in Gaza inflamed tensions beginning in 2023, CNN wrote.
The CNN report comes as Trump is taking a victory lap for securing trillions of investment dollars for the U.S. during his Middle East trip – which notably included no stop in Israel.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was on Capitol Hill Wednesday, where he briefed lawmakers on U.S. talks with Iran.
"That is the goal of these negotiations – to create an incentive model where they give up their enrichment capability," he said. "They will receive some sanctions relief commensurate with it. That's the hope. That's what we're working on, because the alternative would be something far more destructive, and we seek to avoid that if possible."
Ayatollah: Talks are meaningless
Speaking in a public appearance Tuesday, Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khameni said he does not expect the talks to succeed.
He pushed back against Trump's statements that the U.S. will not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon.
"They say, 'We won't allow Iran to enrich uranium.' That's way out of line," the supreme leader said. "No one in Iran is waiting for their permission. The Islamic Republic has its own policies and direction – and it will stick to them."
Yet the talks continue.
With or without them, U.S. House Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas) told "Washington Watch" Wednesday the outcome will be the same.
"Frankly, they will lead to something, because the president said we can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way," he noted. "I really recommend that Iran do this the easy way, because the president has been very clear: dismantle your equipment – period."
Self also balked at Iranian claims that its nuclear program is intended only for peaceful purposes.
"If you want civilian electricity, and that's why you need nuclear materials, you don't need to be enriching [uranium]," he told show host Tony Perkins. "You can get it on the open market. That's the way nations do it. They do not need to enrich if their true project is meant for civilian uses."
Meanwhile, intensified relations come as attacks on Jews continue in Israel and the U.S.
In Samaria, a terrorist shot and killed a pregnant Israeli woman and injured her husband as the couple drove to the delivery room last Wednesday.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops have eliminated the terrorists responsible for the woman's death, Chris Mitchell, Middle East bureau chief for the Christian Broadcasting Network, told Perkins.
"This is just one of many terror attacks that happen almost regularly there in Judea and Samaria – over 6,000 incidents in the last year or so, anywhere from throwing rocks to a shooting attack like this," Mitchell said.
In the U.S., a young Israeli diplomatic couple was shot and killed outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., Wednesday night. Multiple reports indicate the shooter yelled, "Free Palestine" during the attack.
A suspect is in custody.
"These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the USA. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen! God Bless You ALL!"
Other cards to play
Removing the nuclear threat from Iran could move the U.S. and Israel closer to the goal of ending the violence.
Trump has been clear that Iran will not obtain a nuclear weapon, and Rep. Self said the president has options short of war to achieve that goal.
The isolation option – turning Iran's neighbors against it – was possibly strengthened during Trump's Middle East trip.
"I'm sure that he will exercise all [options]," Self said. "He can go with sanctions. He can go to the surrounding nations."
Pointing out that Iran is "in its weakest position in years," Rep. Self concluded that if President Trump uses every tool in the toolbox, "I can guarantee Iran will hurt."
