IDF prepares for two potential Iran escalation scenarios as US pursues diplomacy
Meanwhile, Israeli defense officials assess that US President Donald Trump would prefer to avoid a military confrontation and resolve tensions through diplomacy.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for two potential escalation scenarios with Iran as the United States pursues diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict. US Vice President Kamala Harris is leading the diplomatic talks, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore international nuclear inspections in exchange for lifting the US blockade and releasing frozen Iranian assets.
Israeli defense officials remain on high alert, while US military strikes against Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz continue. The IDF has prepared for two main scenarios: a US-led aggressive military offensive against Iran or an Iranian surprise attack against American interests in the Middle East, including IDF bases with US personnel and aircraft.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and senior General Staff officers have been conducting assessments and validating operational plans. Israeli security officials believe US President Donald Trump prefers diplomacy over military confrontation, but Iranian leaders view Washington's diplomatic preference as weakness. The talks have been ongoing, yet limited US military strikes have raised concerns about the risk of escalation despite diplomatic efforts.
Israeli officials have rejected claims of heated debates about a potential Israeli strike on Iran, emphasizing that discussions were professional and respectful.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
