Israel Monitors Indirect Iran Negotiations Amid Cautious Alertness Over Trump’s Approach

Israel is receiving only indirect updates on the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran regarding control over the Strait of Hormuz. Israeli officials express skepticism about the recent diplomatic developments, which could regulate activities in the strait and potentially allow the US and Iran to return to a memorandum of understanding. A senior Israeli source told N12 that while President Donald Trump and his advisors are eager for a deal, the Iranians are aware of this dynamic.

Despite the diplomatic efforts, Israel maintains a high state of alert and continues coordination with the US Central Command (CENTCOM). Israeli officials describe the situation as ambiguous and unpredictable, noting that the line between peace and war under Trump is very thin. One official remarked, "The distance between peace and war with Trump is the distance between the letters t, r, and u on the keyboard."

Earlier, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran has decided to harden its stance against the US to establish leverage before engaging in meaningful negotiations with Trump. This shift has led to more aggressive rhetoric from Tehran and strengthened ties with its proxies, including threats to block the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Additionally, an Indian vessel was damaged near Yemen’s territorial waters and sank, but all 14 crew members were rescued by the Yemeni coast guard. Iranian leadership believes previous flexibility only increased US pressure, prompting a tougher approach. Tehran suspects Trump interprets Iranian concessions as weakness and will respond only to pressure. A Gulf source warned that unless Washington accepts a new reality granting Iran a more significant role in the Strait of Hormuz, the conflict could escalate beyond the Gulf region, including potential blockades of Bab el-Mandeb and attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure.