Overview

• President Donald Trump has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request for U.S. support for a planned May military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.
• The Israeli plan, which aimed to delay Iran's nuclear program by at least a year, required U.S. military backing for both operational success and protection against Iranian retaliation.
• Trump's decision follows opposition from key advisors, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who favored diplomatic efforts over military escalation.
• Indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Oman concluded positively, with a second round of negotiations scheduled for Rome in the coming days.
• IAEA chief Rafael Grossi has warned that Iran is nearing nuclear weapons capability, heightening global concerns over the urgency of diplomatic solutions.