Israeli military directed to prepare for possible US strike on Iran: Report

The Israel Defense Forces have apparently begun preparing for the possibility that the United States might strike Iran before President Trump finishes his term in office.

On Wednesday, Axios reported that senior Israeli officials have said they do not have intelligence suggesting such an attack will take place. Instead, the preparations are motivated by concerns from officials that "a very sensitive period" lies ahead in the coming weeks.

Israel has also allegedly begun to ready itself in the event that Iran retaliates on the country after a strike from the U.S.

Last week, the New York Times reported that Trump considered the possibility of striking Iran's primary nuclear facility. It appears, however, according to the outlet's reporting, that he was eventually dissuaded of the idea after officials, including Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, warned him of the risks.

During a trip last week in which Pompeo visited Israel and several Gulf countries, State Department officials told reporters that "all options are on the table."