Israeli intelligence officials warned that Iran could be preparing a surprise attack involving missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles targeting Gulf States and Israel, amid growing regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran, The Jerusalem Post reports.
The possibility of a preemptive Iranian strike was discussed during a high-level situational assessment involving senior military commanders and Defense Minister Israel Katz. According to security officials, Tehran may attempt to act before the United States and Israel conclude that diplomatic efforts have failed and decide to launch military action.
Officials said Iranian planners could seek to replicate the element of surprise seen at the outset of “Operation Epic Fury” and “Operation Roaring Lion.”
In response to the heightened threat assessment, the Israeli Air Force and the Israel Defense Forces’ Operations Directorate, led by Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman and other senior officials, held a series of coordination meetings with American counterparts. The discussions focused on improving operational readiness and sharing intelligence regarding what officials described as unusual Iranian military activity.
Separately, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir conducted security consultations with military commanders as part of a broader defensive and offensive preparedness review. Zamir has also remained in close contact with senior US military officials to coordinate a potential response in the event of an Iranian attack.
A military source told Walla that Israeli and American officials recently completed a comprehensive review of joint operations related to the “detection, identification, and interception of a range of threats from Iran.”
According to the source, the assessment strengthened joint US-Israeli military cooperation in several areas, including missile interception capabilities, coordination between state and military agencies, technological integration, software enhancements, and troop reinforcement measures.
The developments come as ceasefire negotiations between the United States and Iran continue. Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain divided over how to proceed regarding Iran and the broader regional security situation.
Meanwhile, the volume of US military equipment transferred to Israel has reportedly increased significantly over the past month, reflecting growing concern over the possibility of escalation in the region.
By Vafa Guliyeva
