US, Israel weigh renewed strikes on Iran as experts warn renewed conflict may be inevitable
A possible US military campaign against Iran could target missile facilities and nuclear infrastructure, but experts caution that even a brief operation risks triggering a prolonged conflict.
President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have warned that they do not wish to see a renewed conflict with Iran, yet they are issuing stern public messages to Tehran that could ignite the simmering war. The US is expected to introduce a third aircraft carrier into the Middle East region soon, suggesting preparations for possible hostilities. This comes despite Israel's upcoming national election on October 27 and the American midterms on November 3.
Multiple interviews, including one with Channel 14, revealed that Netanyahu argued that "If Iran makes a mistake and tries to attack us, it will simply make the mistake of its life." Trump, too, expressed his desire for a resumption of hostilities, saying, "Wait til you see what we do to Iran."
Experts warn that renewed conflict is only a matter of time, as tensions continue to build. Iranian interference in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 20% of the world's oil, has led to rising oil prices. These price increases have given Trump another reason to consider another strike, potentially reigniting the conflict that was paused in April.
Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, stated, "Without a diplomatic settlement, the chances of escalation are very high." He noted that Trump cannot declare victory in the ongoing conflict, but neither can Iran continue to blockade naval vessels. Former Israeli security official Avner Vilan expressed confidence that Trump would postpone any strikes until after the midterm elections.
However, he acknowledged the existing risk of escalation, as both sides continue to exert pressure on each other without a lasting agreement.
A recent poll found that 64% of Americans disapprove of President Trump's handling of military action against Iran. Similarly, a survey conducted by the Institute for National Security Studies revealed that Israelis are divided on the issue of a preemptive Israeli strike on Iran. According to the Trump administration, officials have discussed a limited, intense campaign lasting about three days, targeting Iran's missile and drone arsenal, energy infrastructure, and Revolutionary Guard Corps headquarters.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
