Israel Concerned by Iran's Resurgent Missile Production and US Stance

Israel is closely monitoring Iran's efforts to rebuild its ballistic missile arsenal, which has raised significant concerns about a potential escalation of conflict. While Iran's missile production has not yet returned to pre-war levels, the country is actively enhancing its military capabilities. However, Iran has not resumed uranium enrichment, and Israeli military leadership does not currently deem a preemptive strike necessary. The IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, stated that Israel would only initiate military action if Iran crosses specific red lines, which has not yet occurred.

A key point of concern for Israel is the United States' position. Despite close coordination, it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will decide to strike Iran and when. Israel believes that Washington should maintain and even intensify economic pressure on Tehran, as the blockade is showing results. If a joint military operation is considered, both countries must clearly define its ultimate objective, with the Israeli army emphasizing that military strikes alone cannot overthrow the Iranian regime.

According to a Bloomberg report, Iran has successfully restored a military arsenal, with intelligence sources estimating current production at around 50 ballistic missiles per month. Iran recently released footage of what it claims is a new underground missile facility. This resurgence in arms production raises questions about the effectiveness of past airstrikes on Iranian military sites.

Despite Trump's claims of progress in contacts with Tehran, Iran has not shown willingness to make concessions and insists on seven preliminary conditions, including the lifting of sanctions and the unblocking of frozen assets. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezai, has threatened that no uranium will be exported from Iran, indicating a deadlock in negotiations. The US faces the choice between a full-scale military operation or continued blockade, though Iran views the blockade as an act of war.

Amidst the rising tensions, former Mossad chief Dadi Barnea warned that Iran is actively working to restore its nuclear program, believing nuclear weapons are essential for regime survival. He proposed a complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and continued economic sanctions, suggesting that war could accelerate the regime's downfall but would have severe global economic consequences.