Fact Check: "Israeli officials asked the Trump administration to join military operations targeting Iran's nuclear program, including a strike on the Fordow uranium enrichment site, on June 14, 2023."
What We Know
On June 14, 2023, reports emerged indicating that Israeli officials had requested the Trump administration to participate in military operations against Iran's nuclear program. This included a specific mention of targeting the Fordow uranium enrichment site. According to Axios, Israeli officials communicated this request within a 48-hour window surrounding significant military actions between Israel and Iran. The urgency of the request was framed within the context of perceived threats from Iran's nuclear ambitions, which Israeli intelligence claimed posed an "immediate existential threat" (Yahoo News).
The backdrop to these developments includes a series of Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, which were described as part of a larger military campaign. Reports indicated that these strikes were aimed at crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, including facilities at Fordow (The Washington Post).
Analysis
The claim that Israeli officials asked the Trump administration to join military operations against Iran's nuclear program is supported by multiple credible sources. The Axios article specifically states that this request was made in the context of ongoing military operations and was aimed at eliminating Iran's nuclear threats. Furthermore, the Kyiv Independent corroborates this by stating that Israeli officials indeed sought U.S. involvement in strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordow.
However, the reliability of the sources must be considered. Axios and the Kyiv Independent are generally regarded as reputable news organizations, but they may have varying degrees of editorial slant. The context of the claim also involves a high-stakes geopolitical situation, which can lead to sensationalism or misinterpretation of statements made by officials.
Moreover, while the reports indicate that Israeli officials made such requests, they do not confirm that any formal agreement or operational plan was established between the U.S. and Israel. The situation remains fluid, and the dynamics of international military cooperation can change rapidly based on political and military developments.
Conclusion
The claim that "Israeli officials asked the Trump administration to join military operations targeting Iran's nuclear program, including a strike on the Fordow uranium enrichment site, on June 14, 2023," is False. While there were indeed requests made by Israeli officials for U.S. involvement in military operations against Iran, the specifics of the claim, particularly the timing and the nature of the operations discussed, lack definitive confirmation. The reports suggest intentions but do not substantiate that a formal military operation was agreed upon or executed in collaboration with the Trump administration.
Sources
- Explosions and Buzzing Drones Heard as Israel and Iran ...
- Iranian missiles target Israel in retaliation for earlier strikes
- Israel urges US to join war with Iran to eliminate nuclear ...
- Israel asks US to join strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, officials ...
- Israel asks US to join strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, officials ...
- Israel warns 'Tehran will burn' if Iranian strikes continue
- Israel's mission hinges on destroying Iran's hardest nuclear ...
- Experts react: Israel just attacked Iran's military and nuclear ...
