The latest
The Middle East has entered a critical phase as President Donald Trump weighs whether to expand military operations against Iran. The United States and Israel have stepped up military preparedness for a possible large-scale Iranian response, while Tehran has intensified threats to strike U.S. bases and Washington’s regional partners if its infrastructure or energy facilities are targeted.
Details
• Trump’s decision: CBS News reported that Washington is considering military options that include strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. An Israeli official told the network that Israel has not been informed of a U.S. decision to fully resume military operations.
• Israeli readiness: The Israeli military has maintained a heightened state of alert without changing Home Front Command instructions, while Ben Gurion Airport continues normal operations despite increased security preparedness.
• U.S. buildup: Israeli security officials said more than 30 U.S. aerial refueling aircraft are already in Israel, with around 10 additional tankers expected to arrive in the coming days, adding pressure to operations at Ben Gurion Airport.
• Iran’s warning: Ebrahim Rezaei, a member of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Committee, said any attack would trigger a response beyond the Gulf, adding that Iran would target “all enemy bases and the source of the attack” wherever they are.
• Security alerts: The U.S. State Department urged American citizens to prepare to leave the Middle East if necessary, while U.S. embassies across several countries in the region issued similar security advisories.
Background
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated in recent months following direct and indirect exchanges of attacks. Western media reports have identified Iran’s energy infrastructure as a potential target in any new U.S. military campaign. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have repeatedly warned that any strike on the country’s critical infrastructure would be met with retaliation against U.S. interests and its regional allies.
Between the lines
The simultaneous military deployments, expanded U.S. air assets, security warnings, and Israel’s elevated readiness indicate that all sides are preparing for the possibility of a major escalation even before Washington makes a final decision. If Trump authorizes large-scale strikes, Israel could be drawn into the conflict either through direct military involvement or by becoming a target of Iranian retaliation, according to Iranian statements and Israeli security assessments cited in the reports.
What to watch
Attention will focus on any White House decision regarding expanded strikes, potential changes to Israel’s military posture, further U.S. force deployments, and Iran’s response should new attacks be launched.
