Israel has completed preparations for a renewed military attack on Iran, whilst US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper has presented President Donald Trump with military options for resuming attacks, the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported.
“The Israeli military has finalised defensive and offensive readiness for a potential return to combat, though any decision to launch an offensive remains with Trump as diplomatic contacts continue.”
Citing unnamed political sources, the daily reported that Israel is approaching another round of fighting, but its leadership cannot unilaterally initiate the campaign, which hinges on whether Washington pursues an agreement with Tehran or orders coordinated strikes.
Preparations have advanced beyond planning.
The Israeli air force has carried out multiple long-range drills involving dozens of fighter jets and mid-air refuelling tankers across Syrian and Iraqi airspace towards Iranian frontiers to rehearse potential strike corridors.
Strategic dilemmas
Cooper tabled strike plans during a White House briefing attended by Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, though no order to resume combat has been given.
In recent days, 10 US military transport aircraft have landed at Israeli airbases delivering equipment, coinciding with broader American force reinforcements.
Sources noted a fundamental strategic dilemma: the lack of clearly defined US operational objectives.
Striking Iranian nuclear facilities, missile infrastructure, and military assets would not guarantee government collapse or policy shifts, though Washington could leverage threats to extract concessionary terms.
Regional escalation remains a critical hazard, with officials warning Hezbollah could enter the fray, stretching Israeli air defences and interceptor stockpiles.
Concurrently, indirect contacts mediated by Qatar continue, exploring prospective terms regarding Iran's nuclear programme, the Strait of Hormuz, and economic incentives, with Russia and China as potential guarantors.
Hostilities originally erupted on February 28, following joint US-Israeli strikes, before an April truce broke down into renewed exchanges in July amid stalled diplomacy.
