Axios has learned of Biden's discussion of a possible strike on Iran's nuclear facilities

US President Joe Biden earlier discussed with his national security team plans for a possible strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. This was reported by Axios on January 2, citing sources.

According to them, the discussion was held during a meeting that took place about a month ago and remained secret. It is specified that the meeting was not prompted by new intelligence.

During the discussion, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan presented options for a potential U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities should the Iranians take steps toward a nuclear weapon before Jan. 20. As noted by sources, Sullivan believes that deteriorating Iran's air defense (air defense) and missile capabilities would increase the chances of a successful strike and reduce the risk of Iranian retaliation and regional escalation.

It is noted that Biden, for his part, focused on the issue of urgency and whether Iran has taken steps to justify a major military strike. The President did not make a final decision on the outcome of the meeting.

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Earlier, on December 13, The Wall Street Journal newspaper, citing informed sources, reported that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is considering preventive airstrikes on Iran to prevent the Islamic republic from developing nuclear weapons. It was specified that this could contribute to breaking Tehran's containment policy through diplomacy and sanctions. In addition, Iran's nuclear breakout is of great concern to Trump.

The head of France's foreign intelligence service (DGSE), Nicolas Lerner, said on November 30 that Iran's nuclear proliferation would become a serious threat in the coming months.

On November 21, due to the lack of cooperation on the nuclear issue, the IAEA board of governors adopted a resolution criticizing Iran. IAEA head Rafael Grossi said on November 20 that Iran had begun preparations to stop building up stockpiles of uranium enriched to 60%. He specified that the IAEA and Tehran were continuing discussions on the issue.

Later, on November 24, the governments of the United States, Britain, France and Germany supported the resolution of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) against Iran. It is specified that the resolution accused Iran of failing to provide the IAEA with information on the use of nuclear materials. The countries also expressed "serious concern" about Iran's decision to launch new centrifuges in response to the resolution.

On July 19, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the United States would not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons. On July 13, the U.S. president warned that the U.S. would use force to eliminate Iran's access to nuclear weapons. He noted that the Islamic Republic is now much closer to it than before.