Israel prepares for possible new Iranian strikes, US role questioned
Photo: Israel Defense Forces and emergency services instructed to prepare for a military outcome (Getty Images)
Israel has begun preparations for a possible resumption of Iranian strikes against the country. The move could follow a new US attack or a joint US-Israeli strike on Tehran, according to The Times of Israel, which in turn referred to Channel 12.
Read also: Possible US operation in Iran could target state buildings - Reuters
According to a senior US official, nuclear talks between the US and Iran in Geneva were described as a "nothing burger." Another official said Iran has until the end of the month to agree to a package of significant concessions regarding its nuclear program.
Sources also said US President Donald Trump is "very close" to ordering a major strike on Iran.
Meanwhile, Israel has held meetings at all levels to prepare for the possibility that Trump approves military action. The country also shares the negative assessment of the Geneva talks voiced by the American official.
"Timetables are growing shorter," says a senior Israeli official, "and that is the case in terms of military preparedness. In the end, there is one man who will decide."
Israel believes there is a high probability that Iran would strike the country in response to a US attack or a joint operation by Washington and Israel.
"For this reason, the Home Front Command of the Israel Defense Forces and other emergency services have been instructed to prepare for such an outcome," Channel 12 reported.
Iran's options and timing of possible US strike
According to The Wall Street Journal, during the first round of talks with the US in Oman on February 6, Iran proposed transferring its highly enriched uranium to Russia, an amount reportedly sufficient to produce up to 12 nuclear bombs.
Iranian officials have also indicated they could offer to suspend uranium enrichment for up to three years.
At the same time, Axios reported that the Trump administration could be on the brink of a large-scale war in the Middle East in the coming weeks, with sources saying the timeline amounts to "a matter of weeks."
Several days ago, CBC News reported that Washington is considering various scenarios regarding Iran’s missile program. If diplomacy fails, the US does not rule out supporting Israeli military action.
