Senior advisers within the Trump administration are reportedly discussing whether it would be politically advantageous for Israel to strike Iran before the United States does. These conversations come as the U.S. continues to weigh how and whether to respond militarily to Iran’s nuclear program and regional behavior.

Trump aides believe American public support for military action against Iran would be stronger after Iran is perceived to have been attacked first, particularly by a U.S. ally, rather than being the nation that initiates a strike. Those advisers argue the political stance in Washington looks “a lot better” if Israel takes the lead, potentially triggering Iranian retaliation that could gather broader support for U.S. involvement.

This report appears as ongoing nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are taking place in Geneva. While diplomacy remains officially on the table, the public and private discussion over military options continues at senior levels of the U.S. government. There is currently a significant U.S. military buildup in the Middle East, including aircraft carrier strike groups and fighter jets deployed in the region, displaying the seriousness with which Washington is considering all options. President Trump has publicly emphasized that while diplomacy is preferred, all options remain on the table, including the use of force to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.