Iran Hardens Stance Amid US Talks, Israel Expects Expanded Strikes

Amid escalating tensions in negotiations between Iran and the United States, Israeli officials assess that without a dramatic shift, President Donald Trump is likely to order an expansion of military strikes against Iran. Recent intelligence shared between Israel and the US indicates that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, confirmed alive by a senior Iranian official, is taking a tougher position in the ongoing talks coordinated by mediators seeking a ceasefire. Israeli senior sources believe this hardening of Iran's stance will push Trump toward further escalation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently returned to Israel under secrecy due to security concerns, is awaiting a final decision from the US president regarding significant military action. Earlier reports from Arab News citing an Iranian source suggested a ceasefire between the US and Iran could be declared within 24 hours, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar. Concurrently, a Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that all possible efforts are underway to bring Iran and the US back to the negotiating table.