Regional Source Says Military Strike Against Iran More Likely Than Diplomatic Deal

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, regional mediators increasingly believe a military confrontation with Iran is more imminent than a long-term diplomatic agreement. A regional source told Channel 13 on Saturday evening, "Right now we are much closer to a strike than a deal," adding that any return by Iran to negotiations would be surprising.

In response to the escalating situation, US embassies across the Middle East, including in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE, issued security warnings to their citizens. They highlighted the complex security environment and potential for sudden escalation, urging Americans in the region to exercise heightened caution and prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures, and travel disruptions. Similar alerts were earlier issued for Israel, Jordan, and Iraq, advising US citizens to consider leaving or be ready to evacuate if tensions worsen.

The US warnings also noted that American diplomatic facilities, even outside the Middle East, face risks, and that Iran and its allied groups might target US interests and citizens worldwide, including American companies and institutions. The Iranian regime's unpredictable behavior, including recent unannounced attacks and expanding operations into new areas like Egypt, was specifically cited as a cause for concern.

Separately, US European Command chief General Alex Grinkevich reportedly warned Pentagon officials of shortages in interceptors and naval forces, stating that without reinforcements, he would have to choose between protecting US forces or Israel. Meanwhile, a senior Israeli official told CBS that Israel has not been informed of any renewed war with Iran nor asked to participate in such a campaign.

Earlier reports from a senior US official indicated that the US and Israel are preparing for possible strikes on Iranian energy facilities in the coming days. Discussions in Washington have considered timing the attack before the stock market opens on Monday, though no final decision has been made yet.