Tel Aviv: Israel has increased pressure on the United States to curb Iran’s missile program. Israeli defense officials have told American authorities that Iran’s ballistic missile program poses a serious threat to Israel’s existence. They stressed that Iran’s missile capabilities must be stopped at any cost. Israeli officials have reportedly even warned that if the U.S. does not take action against Iran, their army could carry out strikes on Tehran alone.
According to the Israeli website Jerusalem Post, citing security sources, Israeli officials have discussed with the Donald Trump administration the destruction of Iran’s missile infrastructure. Israeli military officers urged U.S. officials to target Iran’s missile manufacturing sites. Israel wants the U.S. to launch an attack on Iran if it refuses to halt its missile program.
Will Not Allow Iran to Cross the Red Line
Israeli officials told American authorities, “If Iran crosses the red line we have set regarding ballistic missiles, we will strike alone. Israel is continuously monitoring developments inside Iran. If the level of threat appears to be rising, Israel will not hesitate to take action.”
Israeli officials emphasized that their country has the full right to act against Iran. They said Iran cannot be allowed to build strategic weapons systems on such a large scale that threaten Israel’s very existence. Israel would launch attacks before any such danger becomes imminent.
U.S.–Iran Nuclear Talks
Dialogue between the United States and Iran has resumed. After a month of tension, both sides held talks in Oman on Friday. Israel wants Iran’s missile program to be included in negotiations along with its nuclear program. However, Iran has made it clear that it will only discuss its nuclear program.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is traveling to the U.S. on Wednesday to meet Donald Trump. He will discuss the second round of U.S.–Iran talks with Trump. Netanyahu’s main focus in the meeting will be Iran’s ballistic missile program, and he will try to persuade Trump to include it in future negotiations.