Trump Plans Strike on Iran as Netanyahu Visits Washington

President Donald Trump announced plans for a decisive strike against an Iranian nuclear weapons development facility after receiving intelligence that Iran moved centrifuges into tunnels beneath Mount Kolang. This escalation follows a period of high military activity, including 13 nights of U.S. bombing campaigns against Tehran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Although U.S. Central Command briefly paused bombing operations on Admiral Brad Cooper's recommendation, Trump warned that the U.S. would return to powerful military action if negotiations failed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Washington under unprecedented secrecy, departing from Nevatim Air Base to meet with Trump and attend the funeral of former Senator Lindsey Graham. During their discussions, Netanyahu lobbied for continued U.S. military pressure on Tehran and argued against providing Iran with sanctions relief. The meeting occurred as Netanyahu faced domestic political strife and condemnation from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who described him as a war criminal.

Iran has rejected claims of current negotiations with the U.S., with foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stating talks with Oman are a bilateral matter. In response to U.S. strikes, Major General Ali Abdollahi declared a new military policy promising to kill one American service member for every Iranian citizen killed. The conflict has already resulted in 18 deaths and 624 wounded during Operation Epic Fury, according to reports tracked by the Pentagon.