Israel seeks US assistance to strike Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility amid firepower limitations

Israel urges US support in targeting Iran’s Fordow nuclear site
Israeli officials have requested US military involvement to help destroy Iran’s deeply buried Fordow nuclear facility, citing a lack of required firepower to achieve their operational goals. The request was made within the last 48 hours, according to two Israeli officials, as Israel intensifies its military operations against Iran.

The Fordow uranium enrichment site, a key component of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, is located inside a mountain, making it resistant to conventional airstrikes. Israel does not possess the large bomber aircraft or advanced bunker buster munitions needed to eliminate the facility. These assets, however, are within reach for US forces stationed in the region.

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Despite the urgency of Israel’s request, the Trump administration has so far refrained from participating in the conflict. US officials have indicated that direct engagement, even a limited strike on Fordow, would effectively draw the United States into a broader war with Iran.

A second US official confirmed Saturday, June 14, that Israel has urged the Trump administration to consider joining the campaign, but noted that no decision to engage has been made.

Elimination of Fordow seen as strategic priority
An Israeli official told Axios that President Trump had signaled willingness to support the operation in a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, a White House official disputed that claim on Friday, June 13, stating that there is no current plan for US involvement in the ongoing military action.

A senior White House official, speaking to Axios on Saturday, emphasized the administration's preference for diplomacy. “Whatever happens today cannot be prevented,” the official said, referencing Israel’s strikes. “But we have the ability to negotiate a successful peaceful resolution to this conflict if Iran is willing. The fastest way for Iran to accomplish peace is to give up its nuclear weapons program.”

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Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter told Fox News on Friday, “The entire operation... really has to be completed with the elimination of Fordow.”

Israeli sources said the topic of US participation in targeting Fordow has been repeatedly raised in discussions with American counterparts since the start of the operation.

Israel’s firepower limitations drive request for US involvement

The failure to destroy Fordow would compromise Israel’s objective of halting Iran’s nuclear program. Israeli officials argue that the operation must be completed to ensure long-term security and nonproliferation goals.

An Israeli source told Axios that while the United States has yet to approve direct involvement, Israel remains hopeful that the Trump administration will agree to assist in the mission.