Israel says it is looking to end its bombing campaign against Iran following the US joined in strikes against the country’s nuclear sites. Israel has communicated these messages to Tehran via mediators, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The outlet reports that Jerusalem has told Tehran that its objectives have already largely been met after the American-led strikes on three key nuclear sites—Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan.
“We are happy to wrap it up now; if there’s an agreement at the end, Israel will be content with the result,” an Israeli official told The Times of Israel. “It depends on Iran, not on us.”
According to Arab sources cited by the Journal, the United States has urged its partners in the region to relay this message to Iran.
Iranian officials reportedly remain intent on responding to the latest round of US strikes, raising the possibility of continued escalation.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials remain hopeful that the current situation could lead Tehran back to the negotiating table regarding its nuclear program.
Two options for ending the military operation are reportedly under discussion. Israel could unilaterally declare that its objectives have been achieved, with the expectation that Iran would then halt its retaliatory missile attacks. The second possibility involves a US-brokered announcement of a mutual ceasefire, a route Israeli officials view as less favorable.
If Iran chooses to continue launching missile strikes at Israel, the situation could escalate. According to a report by the Walla news site, Israel has warned that it will intensify its military response with targeted strikes aimed at undermining Iran’s regime, says the Times.
