Israel Raises Defense Alert Amid US-Iran Tensions and Threats to Gulf States

Israel has increased its defense readiness amid escalating tensions with Iran, following recent reports that US President Donald Trump may order strikes on Iranian infrastructure and energy facilities. Despite the heightened alert, Israel's Home Front Command has not changed its public guidelines. Israeli officials have not confirmed any decision by Trump to renew intense military action against Iran, and Israel has not been informed of any renewed combat operations or requests to join such actions.

The situation intensified as Iranian negotiator Seyed Mohammad Marandi warned Gulf states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the UAE, and possibly Oman to prepare for immediate evacuation. Marandi threatened that if attacks target Iran's civilian infrastructure, the vital infrastructure of these regimes, along with Israel and possibly Jordan, would be destroyed.

US and Israeli sources told CBS that a significant bombing operation against Iran could be launched imminently, possibly within a day or two. However, an Israeli official stated Israel was unaware of any full-scale military operation decision and had not been asked to participate. Israel is maintaining silence amid internal criticism of Trump’s approach to Iran and is cautious about appearing as a warmonger.

Meanwhile, US embassies across the Middle East, including in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Israel, have issued security warnings urging their citizens to leave or be prepared to leave immediately due to potential escalation. The US State Department also advised all Americans in the region to consider departure or readiness to evacuate if the situation deteriorates.

The overall assessment is that any US strike on Iran would likely provoke Iranian retaliation against Israel, further raising regional security concerns.