Israel Prepares for Iran Conflict, Awaiting Trump's Decision

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have completed preparations for a potential new military campaign against Iran, but the operation's commencement hinges on a decision from U.S. President Donald Trump. The IDF has developed both offensive and defensive scenarios, with high-level coordination established with the American military. However, Trump remains undecided between diplomatic solutions and the use of force, according to Ynet military correspondent Yosi Yehoshua. Yehoshua suggests that Israeli military preparations accelerated following recent elections. Washington is reportedly considering the IDF's capabilities, demonstrated during the prior "Lion's Roar" operation where Israeli aircraft achieved air superiority over Iran. Indirect signs of military readiness are also evident in U.S. actions, including the recent arrival of ten U.S. military transport planes carrying equipment to Israeli airbases. Concurrently, the U.S. is bolstering its Middle East presence with additional forces and stockpiling of resources. Israeli Air Force aircraft have also been practicing routes for potential strikes on Iranian territory, with dozens of planes and tankers reportedly flying over Syria and Iraq towards the Iranian border. Israel has informed the U.S. that these flights are part of exercises and a demonstration of operational capabilities.

Military scenarios have been presented to President Trump, with U.S. Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper briefing the president on several options for resuming military operations against Iran. The discussions reportedly included Pentagon head Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Kaine. Trump has not yet given a final answer, continuing diplomatic engagement with Tehran while weighing potential strikes. A key consideration is the objective of any operation; a limited air campaign targeting nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military industries might not lead to regime change or policy shifts, which would require a more extensive strategy. The White House may be using military pressure as leverage for a potential deal, but Israel fears that agreements merely postponing conflict without addressing Iran's nuclear and missile programs will not ensure long-term security.

Further complicating the situation is the potential involvement of Hezbollah from Lebanon, which joined previous hostilities. Israel anticipates that Iran and its allies might act according to their own plans, potentially expanding the conflict by striking Israeli and U.S. targets in the Middle East. This could escalate a limited campaign into a prolonged confrontation, necessitating the IDF's assessment of air defense readiness, interceptor missile stockpiles, and multi-front operational capabilities. Despite military preparations, diplomatic channels remain open, with reports from Al-Araby Al-Jadeed suggesting progress in negotiations in Doha involving a U.S. delegation. Discussions reportedly cover initial steps regarding Iran's nuclear program, passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and potential economic incentives for Tehran, with China and Russia considered potential guarantors. However, no final agreement is imminent. Amid these diplomatic efforts, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a warning, stating that any threat to the country would elicit an immediate and massive response, with Iran's armed forces and people determining the timing and conditions for ending any hostilities.