U.S. President Donald Trump halted a proposed Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, opting instead for diplomatic negotiations to curb Iran’s nuclear program, according to Reuters, citing administration officials and other sources.

Israel had developed plans to target Iranian nuclear sites in May, aiming to delay Iran’s nuclear weapon development by at least a year.

The operation would have required significant U.S. support, not only to protect Israel from potential Iranian retaliation but also to ensure the strike’s success, the report noted.

Following months of internal debate within the Trump administration, the decision was made to prioritize diplomacy over military action.

The U.S. and Iran held talks in Oman on April 12, marking the first such engagement during Trump’s current term and a shift from his 2017-2021 presidency, when he withdrew from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.

The New York Times highlighted that Trump’s choice reflects a cautious approach, driven by concerns among some aides that a strike could fail to eliminate Iran’s nuclear capabilities and risk escalating into a broader conflict.

Iran, weakened militarily and economically, has signaled openness to negotiations, further supporting the diplomatic path.

This development comes amid ongoing U.S.-Israel coordination, with Trump informing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of his decision during a White House meeting earlier in April.

While Israel sought U.S. backing for the strike, Trump emphasized negotiations, setting a tight deadline for Iran to reach an agreement.