According to The Jerusalem Post, the U.S. is reportedly offering Israel a substantial compensation package if it avoids striking certain high-risk targets in Iran, particularly nuclear facilities and oil refineries. This proposal comes in the wake of escalating tensions following Iran’s missile strikes on Israeli territory. The compensation package, as discussed during recent negotiations, supposedly includes diplomatic support and additional military aid aimed at ensuring Israel’s security without triggering a broader regional conflict.

US Reportedly Offers Compensation to Prevent Israeli Strikes on Certain Iranian Targets

It appears that the Biden administration is concerned that strikes on key Iranian sites could provoke a severe response from Tehran and destabilize the region. U.S. officials, including those from Central Command, have been engaged in intense discussions with Israeli counterparts to limit the scope of Israel’s military retaliation.

Former CENTCOM commander Frank McKensie commented on the situation, stating that the Biden administration publically commenting on the Israeli response would be “unwise” as that could make it easier for Iran to plan its defense. He also noted that Israel has many options for retaliation. Some targets, like Iran’s nuclear facilities, are particularly challenging and may require specialized capabilities that the US possesses, but Israel might not. This might explain the fact that you are not seeing this story reported at this time by the US mainstream media. That and the fact that it tends to make the current administration look like a friend to Iran, attempting to buy off Israel to protect them.

Satellite image of an Iranian Uranium enrichment plant taken in September of 2009. Image Credit: GeoEye

This would not be the first time the US has bent over backward to help Iran. Back in January of 2016, the Obama administration secretly airlifted $400 million in cash to the rogue nation. The cash was delivered on pallets via aircraft and coincided with the release of four American prisoners being held in Tehran. This raised questions of whether or not it was a ransom payment.

Tensions Rise as Israel Weighs Military Options

The U.S. is particularly focused on preventing attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, which it believes could cause escalation into a more extensive conflict. However, Israeli leaders, while willing to consider the U.S. recommendations, remain firm on their right to defend the nation and act as they see fit to protect their citizens. They consider the United States to be an ally and are willing to listen to our recommendations, but, in the end, they will do whatever they deem necessary to protect their people, their land, and their way of life.

Last week, SOFREP broke a story indicating that “according to multiple anonymous sources with ties to Iran and Lebanon, Putin is considering arming Iran with nuclear weapons.” If this is true, it would play into the narrative described above. Washington may be trying to stave off a nuclear confrontation in the Middle East.

Former military and intelligence officials are split on whether Israel should strike now, with some arguing that this is an opportune moment to weaken Iran’s nuclear ambitions while others emphasize the risks of such an action. The U.S. has also indicated that failure to comply with their suggestions might lead to reduced diplomatic and military backing in international forums, such as the United Nations.

These negotiations highlight the complex dynamics between the U.S. and Israel as they navigate the threat posed by Iran while trying to avoid a full-scale conflict in the Middle East. The situation remains fluid, with further developments expected as talks continue between the two nations.