One security official said in a closed forum this week, amid a backdrop of negotiations between the US and Iran, that “the situation with Iran remains tense. We are alert and prepared. It could deteriorate within a matter of days. Within weeks or within months. It is in the air.”
Amid reports in recent days that the United States is working to remove components of a nuclear project from Syria, Israeli defense officials believe that, despite the slim chances, the White House is seeking to signal to Israel that a similar model could be applied in Iran, subject to an agreement with the extremist regime in Tehran.
Israel, meanwhile, maintains that under any scenario, the Iranian regime must be significantly weakened. Israeli officials view a joint military operation with the United States as the optimal framework for achieving that objective, with US forces reinforced in the Middle East and Washington remaining in the region after resolving what it sees as the “minefield” of the Strait of Hormuz.
For this reason, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has instructed the military to maintain a high level of readiness for any scenario, in coordination with the US military.
The United States and Iran are approaching a decisive point in talks over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran claims that the framework for an agreement with Oman has already been formulated and that the final wording and details will be published soon. US Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, has confirmed that progress has been made in the negotiations in recent days.
At the same time, the possibility of renewed US strikes remains on the table, as does the possibility of an independent Israeli strike. Discussions are also continuing in the United States over how the underground nuclear site at Pickaxe Mountain could be struck if US President Donald Trump decides the talks have failed.
According to the vice president, the current talks are focused, among other things, on creating conditions that would maximize the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, with the goal of lowering fuel and energy prices in the United States. He rejected the claim that Iran was preparing to tighten its control over the strait and said active talks were taking place, with additional Gulf states also involved, to ensure the safe passage of vessels.
Oman also expressed cautious optimism, saying negotiations with Iran were taking place in a “positive and constructive atmosphere.” At the same time, Muscat called for avoiding actions that could harm the talks or undermine the progress already made.
The comments came after the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking a vessel linked to Abu Dhabi’s national oil company in the Strait of Hormuz.
