ISTANBUL: Israel is preparing for the possibility of direct retaliation from Iran amid assessments that US President Donald Trump could authorize a significant expansion of American military operations against Tehran, according to Israeli media reports.
The Jerusalem Post, citing senior Israeli officials, reported that Washington is considering a broader campaign that could target Iran’s strategic military infrastructure as well as high-ranking Iranian officials. Israeli authorities believe such a move could provoke a stronger response from Tehran, potentially including direct attacks on Israeli territory.
In response to the evolving situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a six-hour high-level security meeting on Monday with cabinet ministers and senior defense officials to evaluate military and diplomatic developments.
During the meeting, Netanyahu reportedly held a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to discuss the latest regional security concerns, according to an Israeli official quoted by the newspaper.
The report also stated that US Central Command (CENTCOM) has continued its military campaign against Iran for an eleventh consecutive day. A source familiar with the operation claimed that nearly 1,000 targets had been struck over the past ten days as part of the ongoing offensive.
Speaking on Tuesday, President Trump said Iran was eager to reopen negotiations but warned that the country had “not seen anything yet.” He further announced that US forces would soon launch heavy strikes on the Pickaxe Mountain area near Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility, describing the planned operation as imminent.
The mountainous site is believed to contain heavily fortified underground tunnel complexes associated with Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, making it one of the country’s most strategically significant locations.
According to the report, one Israeli source suggested that hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough have become increasingly remote. However, another official cautioned that Trump has previously reversed military decisions at the last minute, leaving room for a potential policy shift.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified following a series of US strikes launched last week. Iran has responded with attacks targeting facilities and military bases that it says are linked to US forces across several countries in the region.
The renewed hostilities come despite a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding signed by both countries in June, which aimed to end their conflict and establish a framework for lasting peace.
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