Israeli Defense Forces Raise Alert Amid US-Iran Strikes and Regional Tensions

The Israeli defense establishment held a situation assessment on Thursday following recent escalations in the Middle East. Over the past two days, the US military launched attacks on Iran, prompting Iranian retaliatory missile strikes into Jordan. In response, Major General Itzik Cohen, head of the IDF Operations Directorate, ordered heightened readiness across all domains including land, sea, air, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum.

Joint scenario discussions with the US have been conducted to prepare for various contingencies, including potential Iranian attacks on American bases in Israel, which host approximately 6,000 US troops and hundreds of aircraft, as well as Israeli targets. Although no Iranian intent to strike Israel has been detected so far, the IDF remains vigilant and prepared for both defense and offense. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that any Iranian attack on Israel would be met with a powerful Israeli military response.

Recent months have seen Israeli security officials indicate that if Iran violates the ceasefire agreement, Israel may target Iranian national infrastructure to expedite regime collapse and shorten conflict duration. Meanwhile, Jordan reported missile incursions into its airspace from Iran, triggering nationwide alarms. Jordanian defense systems intercepted eight missiles, causing debris but no casualties or damage.

Simultaneously, reports emerged of US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facility in Bushehr and explosions at Iranian ports including Bandar Abbas and Sirik. Additional explosions occurred in Kuwait at Ali Al Salem Air Base and the port area. Iraqi sources reported alarms at the US Harir base near Erbil, with drone attacks hitting a Kurdish-Iranian opposition camp northeast of Erbil. The US Embassy in Jordan instructed residents to remain indoors amid ongoing aerial threats.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards retaliated with attacks on US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, escalating the cycle of strikes. US officials attributed President Donald Trump’s decision for further attacks to frustration over the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and recent assaults on oil shipping routes during the NATO summit. Despite the escalation, the US is reportedly pursuing behind-the-scenes efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf region.