Biden contemplated a strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, according to Axios

President Joe Biden convened a significant meeting several weeks ago to evaluate possible US military responses to Iran‘s nuclear facilities, as reported by multiple sources referenced by Axios.

The discussions were part of contingency planning for scenarios where Iran might advance towards nuclear weapon development before Biden’s term concludes on January 20.

During the meeting, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan presented a range of options to the president. However, Biden has not authorized any military action, and there are currently no ongoing discussions regarding strikes, according to the sources.

An anonymous US official indicated that the meeting was not driven by new intelligence but was intended to explore “prudent scenario planning” in the event that Iran enriches uranium to weapon-grade levels.

Biden’s advisors deliberated on whether the circumstances in the Middle East warranted intervention or provided Biden with an “imperative and an opportunity to strike,” as noted by Axios. Despite some internal debates advocating for a prompt attack while Iranian defenses and regional influence are diminished, no formal recommendation was made, according to the US official.

Additionally, Israel reportedly perceives Iran as “isolated” following the removal of Syria’s Bashar Assad, and believes that Hezbollah, Iran’s primary ally in the region, has been significantly weakened by recent IDF operations. This situation could potentially encourage Iran to expedite its nuclear program, creating a possible opportunity for an Israeli preemptive strike, according to the Times of Israel.

On Thursday, the Iranian government reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing peaceful nuclear energy while expressing a willingness to engage in new negotiations, provided that Tehran is treated with “respect,” as stated by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

The Iranian diplomat cautioned that sanctions would be ineffective against the Islamic Republic, particularly in light of the “maximum pressure” strategy implemented by the US during President Donald Trump’s administration.

Araghchi remarked, “The more sanctions and pressure are applied to Iran, the greater our resistance will be,” urging Western nations to engage with Iran in a manner that reflects dignity. He added, “If they choose to pursue fair, just, and respectful negotiations, we will reciprocate accordingly.”

Iran has consistently denied any intentions to develop nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear endeavors are aimed at civilian applications. In 2015, the Islamic Republic entered into a nuclear agreement with global powers, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which imposed limitations on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for partial relief from sanctions.

However, following the US’s unilateral withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under Trump, Iran has increased its enrichment activities, and attempts to revive the deal have so far been unsuccessful. Recently, Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, indicated that Iran was “dramatically” enhancing its uranium enrichment to levels of up to 60% purity, describing this situation as “very concerning.”