Israel fears surprise Iranian attack amid ceasefire talks: Reports
Tel Aviv, May 22
Iran could be planning a surprise missile and drone attack targeting Gulf countries and Israel amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran, Jerusalem Post reported, citing intelligence officials.
The possibility of a preemptive Iranian strike was discussed during a security assessment involving senior military officials and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, according to the Jerusalem Post.
The development comes as the United States and Iran continue indirect ceasefire talks, while reports indicate differences between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the approach towards Tehran.
Security officials said Iran could attempt to launch an attack before the US and Israel conclude that diplomatic efforts have failed and decide to take military action. Officials reportedly compared the potential operation to the opening stages of Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion.
The Israeli Air Force and the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) Operations Directorate, headed by Maj Gen Hidai Zilberman, held discussions with US counterparts to strengthen operational preparedness, including intelligence-sharing regarding unusual Iranian military activity, Jerusalem Post reported.
Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir conducted consultations with military commanders as part of a broader assessment covering defensive and offensive scenarios.
Zamir has also remained in contact with American military officials to coordinate a possible response in the event of an attack from Tehran.
A military source told Walla that a comprehensive review was carried out following recent joint US-Israeli operations to improve the detection, identification and interception of threats from Iran.
The review reportedly enhanced cooperation between the US and Israeli militaries in missile interception systems, operational coordination, technological integration, software upgrades and troop reinforcement.
Reports further stated that US military equipment shipments to Israel have increased significantly over the past month.
Trump remains adamant to neutralise Iran's nuclear capabilities. He told reporters, "We will get it. We don't need it, we don't want it. We'll probably destroy it after we get it, but we're not going to let them have it."
Iran is believed to possess around 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium, considered sufficient for potential weapons development if further refined. Retrieving or neutralising the stockpile remains a central objective of Trump's military and diplomatic strategy towards Tehran.
Both the US and Israel view Iran's nuclear program as a threat to themselves. Israel has always advocated against it in all global forums, citing the cultural and religious differences as the cause of the animosity.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The way this is written, it seems like Israel is preparing for war and blaming Iran preemptively. History shows that 'surprise attacks' are often used as justification for military action. India should stay neutral but also be prepared to evacuate our citizens from the region. Hope our MEA is watching closely.
No one wants another war in the Gulf, but Iran has been playing with fire for years. If they actually have enriched uranium close to weapons-grade, that's a red line. Don't think they'll attack Israel directly though – that would be suicidal. Smart money says this is all posturing for negotiations. 🤔
Interesting to see US and Israel working so closely while Trump and Netanyahu reportedly have differences. The military coordination described here sounds intense – hardware shipments, software upgrades, joint ops. Makes me wonder if there's a countdown to something bigger. Hope the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv and Tehran is ready for any scenario.
Why does the article mention 'cultural and religious differences' as the cause of animosity? That feels reductionist. The real issue is nuclear ambitions, regional dominance, and decades of proxy conflicts. India has good relations with both Israel and Iran – we should be a voice for peace, not taking sides. Also, 900 pounds of enriched uranium is terrifying.
Being from the Gulf region originally, this gives me chills. My family is still in Dubai. If missiles start flying, everything changes. India needs to use its diplomatic clout to push
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