Trump weighs joining Israel on strikes of Iranian nuclear sites


President Trump is considering joining Israel’s multiday effort to strike Iranian nuclear facilities, multiple sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.

One possible target is Fordo, a subterranean uranium enrichment site that’s believed to be key to Iran’s nuclear program, according to the sources, which include a senior intelligence official and a Department of Defense official.

Fordo is buried almost 300 feet beneath a mountain and protected by significant air defenses and is believed to be the most likely location for a hypothetical nuclear weapons “breakout” program. Nuclear non-proliferation experts say that it’s at Fordo where Iran has aimed to enrich uranium for weapons purposes and expand its stockpile of enriched uranium. 

Map of the Fordo nuclear site in Iran

Infographic with satellite image from Planet Labs PBC, from March 19, 2025, showing the Fordo nuclear site in Iran. 

© 2025 PLANET LABS PBC / AFP / Getty Images

There is not full agreement among Mr. Trump’s closest advisers on how to proceed.

The issue was expected to be discussed in a meeting with Mr. Trump’s national security team in the White House Situation Room earlier Tuesday. Attendees included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Shortly after launching strikes on Iran early Friday morning, Israel alleged the country is making swift progress toward building nuclear weapons. But earlier this year, a U.S. intelligence assessment said Iran is not building nuclear weapons, but pressure has likely built on the regime to restart its nuclear program. 

Iran has dramatically increased its stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium in recent months, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Iranian government has long insisted its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes.

The Trump administration has said publicly and privately that the U.S. is not involved in Israel’s offensive, though CBS News has previously reported the U.S. has helped Israel intercept missiles fired by Iran in retaliation.

Mr. Trump hasn’t ruled out getting involved, and a series of posts on Truth Social earlier Tuesday have raised questions about the U.S.’s level of involvement in the conflict.

The president posted on Tuesday, “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.” He also wrote that the U.S knows the whereabouts of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but added, “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.” CBS News previously reported that Mr. Trump opposed an Israeli plan to kill Khamenei.

Most recently, Mr. Trump posted, “UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!”

and

contributed to this report.



  • Related Posts

    UN rapporteur demands global action to stop Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza | Israel-Palestine conflict News
    • July 15, 2025

    Francesca Albanese addresses delegates from 30 countries to discuss ways nations can try to stop Israel’s offensive. The United Nations’s special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territory has said that…

    Continue reading
    Colin Allred enters U.S. Senate race in Texas
    • July 14, 2025

    Former Rep. Colin Allred is jumping back into the Texas Senate race, after losing to Ted Cruz eight months ago. In a video released Tuesday, Allred, who flipped a red-leaning…

    Continue reading

    Random News

    UN rapporteur demands global action to stop Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza | Israel-Palestine conflict News

    • By gonews
    • July 15, 2025
    • 1 views
    UN rapporteur demands global action to stop Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza | Israel-Palestine conflict News

    The Chainsmokers’ Mantis Ventures closes $100M third fund

    • By gonews
    • July 15, 2025
    • 1 views
    The Chainsmokers’ Mantis Ventures closes $100M third fund

    2025 Penn State Football Schedule; Printable, Matchups and TV

    • By gonews
    • July 15, 2025
    • 2 views
    2025 Penn State Football Schedule; Printable, Matchups and TV

    Israel Kills Elected Palestinian Official Faraj al-Ghoul in Gaza Airstrike 

    • By gonews
    • July 15, 2025
    • 1 views
    Israel Kills Elected Palestinian Official Faraj al-Ghoul in Gaza Airstrike