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3. Netanyahu Prepares ‘Plan B’ as U.S.-Iran Talks Hang in the Balance

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to keep negotiations with Iran alive in hopes of securing a deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing a contingency “Plan B” should the talks collapse.

Israeli sources reported that the Israeli army has prepared offensive plans in anticipation of a possible confrontation with Iran, according to Israeli Channel 14. The sources added on Thursday that Netanyahu discussed with Trump plans for offensive and defensive action against Tehran.

Trump sees talks resolving ‘over the next month’

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that he expects a nuclear deal with Iran to be worked out in the next month, warning that should they fail to do so the consequences would be “very traumatic.”

When asked if there is a timeline for a deal with Tehran, Trump told reporters, “I guess over the next month, something like that. It should happen very quickly.” 

Asked if Netanyahu wanted Trump to abandon the talks, the president said, "We didn't discuss that. I'll talk to them as long as I like, and we'll see if we can get a deal with them."

Trump on Wednesday received Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where the two discussed the ongoing talks with Iran. During the meeting, Trump insisted to the Israeli premier that he will continue negotiations, he said afterward on Truth Social.

Second aircraft carrier 

Meanwhile, the world’s largest aircraft carrier has been ordered to sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Middle East, a person familiar with the plans says, as U.S. President Donald Trump considers whether to take possible military action against Iran.

The move by the USS Gerald R. Ford, first reported by The New York Times, will put two carriers and their accompanying warships in the region as Trump increases pressure on Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program. The person speaks on condition of anonymity to discuss military movements.

The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier and three guided-missile destroyers arrived in the Middle East more than two weeks ago.