Israel is prepared to attack Iran in the coming days if Tehran rejects a US proposal to limit its nuclear program, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing US and Israeli officials.

The newspaper cited a senior Israeli official as saying a strike could come as soon as Sunday unless Iran agrees to halt production of fissile material, which can be used to make an atomic bomb. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised the possibility of strikes in a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump on Monday, WSJ reported, citing two US officials.

President Donald Trump's administration told the Israeli government the US will not be directly involved in any Israeli military strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, Axios reported on Thursday, citing two US sources and an Israeli source familiar with those discussions.

US President Donald Trump winks at Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they discuss a Middle East peace plan proposal during a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, US, January 28, 2020. (credit: REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID)
US President Donald Trump winks at Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as they discuss a Middle East peace plan proposal during a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, US, January 28, 2020. (credit: REUTERS/BRENDAN MCDERMID)

Trump says US remains committed to a diplomatic solution to Iran nuclear issue

President Donald Trump on Thursday said the United States remains committed to resolving the Iran nuclear issue through diplomacy, but added that the Islamic Republic must first give up hopes of building a nuclear weapon.

"We remain committed to a Diplomatic Resolution to the Iran Nuclear Issue!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

"My entire Administration has been directed to negotiate with Iran. They could be a Great Country, but they first must completely give up hopes of obtaining a Nuclear Weapon," he added.