Trump and Netanyahu Review All Options for Countering Iran’s Nuclear Program, Including Possible Military Strike, Israeli Official Reports

Washington, July 29 (Reuters) – U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed various approaches to curb Iran’s nuclear program during their meeting, covering diplomacy, economic pressure and potential military action, according to a senior Israeli official.

The official noted that Netanyahu did not disclose Israel’s preference for a strike on Iran to Trump during the White House meeting on Tuesday.

The official emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with Trump. He outlined three possible courses of action: reaching a negotiated deal, maintaining the existing blockade and economic sanctions, or launching a large‑scale military strike.

The official said that Iran’s clerical leadership appears increasingly uneasy due to rising inflation and public discontent, though the broader implications for the global economy and oil markets are also being weighed.

Oil prices surged on Wednesday, marking one of the steepest increases since the conflict began on February 28, following a joint Israeli‑U.S. aerial bombing campaign against Iran.

Tehran retaliated with missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf Cooperation Council states.

Israel was not involved in the recent two‑week U.S. bombing campaign that provoked Tehran to attack U.S. bases; however, Israel has warned that it would respond forcefully should it be attacked.

On Wednesday, the United States and Saudi Arabia targeted Iran‑aligned paramilitary groups in Iraq, and President Trump warned that he would decisively defeat Iran for its attacks on U.S. troops after suspending air strikes.

Iran confirmed overnight that it had struck U.S. bases in Jordan and targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and rejected an Omani proposal to jointly manage the waterway.

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