An Israeli official told the Post that, as of now, Israel has not received any official approach.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House to attend the G7 summit in Canada, in Washington, DC, US, June 15, 2025

US President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he departs the White House to attend the G7 summit in Canada, in Washington, DC, US, June 15, 2025

(photo credit: REUTERS/KEN CEDENO)

ByAMICHAI STEIN

JUNE 16, 2025 20:51

Updated: JUNE 16, 2025 21:19

US President Donald Trump is expected to present Iran with a “last chance” offer, US and European officials told The Jerusaem Post on Monday.

One official added that it might even be slightly better than the previous proposal the administration submitted to the Iranians about a week and a half ago.

The expectation is that even if such a proposal is made, it will be based on the American principle of zero uranium enrichment.

As the Post reported on Sunday, Iran approached Oman and Qatar to mediate with the Trump administration in an effort to halt Israeli attacks and resume negotiations on its nuclear program. Saudi Arabia is also working behind the scenes through a separate channel to promote a ceasefire.

Trump confirmed earlier on Monday that Iran had reached out to the US in an attempt to stop Israeli strikes. “It looks like Iran isn’t winning this war. They need to talk before it’s too late,” Trump said in Canada.

Pictures of those killed in Israeli strikes on Iran are displayed on a street, in Tehran, June 16, 2025 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

Pictures of those killed in Israeli strikes on Iran are displayed on a street, in Tehran, June 16, 2025 (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA (WEST ASIA NEWS AGENCY) VIA REUTERS)

Israeli official: Jerusalem hasn't received official approach on Iran

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded in an interview with ABC regarding Iran’s outreach for a ceasefire. “It doesn’t surprise me. They want to continue these phony talks – to lie, deceive, and drag the US along. We have very solid intelligence on this.”

An Israeli official told the Post that, as of now, Israel has not received any official approach. “The negotiations are currently between Tehran and Washington – in the meantime, we continue striking more and more targets.”, said an Israeli official.

The US administration confirmed on Monday that the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier will arrive in the Middle East, and about 30 refueling aircraft are also being sent to the region. A US source told the Post that preparations are being made to allow possible participation in strikes, if Trump gives the green light.

“This is the gun placed on the stage in the first act – Trump is clearly signaling he’s not ruling out the military option.”

Within the US administration, there is disagreement over whether the US should join the Israeli offensive. “US Central Command believes it’s the right thing to do – but there are others, including within Trump’s base, who oppose involvement,” a US source told the Post. “In the end, it will be decided by the head of one redhead,” referring to Trump.

Dan Shapiro, former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Affairs, told the Post that “President Trump is putting in place the military assets necessary to give him the option of strikes on Iran, including Fordow.” Shapiro estimated that there are other assets not visible that will also be deployed in the region. “It does not mean he has made the decision to strike. But Trump can use the threat as leverage to get Iran to agree to return to the table and make the concession they would not before: ending enrichment at the ability to build a nuclear weapon."

Shapiro, who is also a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, added that for this to be a viable threat, "Trump has to be willing to follow through if Iran won’t concede, or if Israel does not have a different solution for Fordow.”

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5738684&forum_id=2#49021013)