US and European officials believe Israel is preparing to launch an attack on Iran soon, a move that could escalate tensions in the Middle East and undermine efforts by the Trump administration to reach a nuclear deal with Tehran.
Due to these concerns, the US has withdrawn diplomats from Iraq and authorised the voluntary departure of military family members from the region.
It is unclear how large an Israeli strike might be, but tensions have been mounting. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been urging President Trump to take advantage of what Israel perceives as a moment of vulnerability for Iran.
President Trump had previously halted an Israeli strike, stating he wanted to pursue negotiations. He recently told the New York Post that he is now “less confident” about reaching a deal, following Iran’s supreme leader’s rejection of a US proposal to halt uranium enrichment.
Talks between American and Iranian officials are scheduled for Sunday in Oman, with Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff expected to attend.
Iran has already prepared a response in the event of an Israeli strike, reportedly aiming hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel. Iran’s Defence Minister, General Aziz Nasirzadeh, warned that the US would face heavy losses if conflict were to break out.
“America will have to leave the region because all its military bases are within our reach, and we will, without any consideration, target them in the host countries,” he stated.
General Michael Kurilla said he had presented Trump with several military options. Iran’s mission to the United Nations described Kurilla’s remarks as “militarism.”
Resolution to Censure Iran’s Nuclear Programme
The IAEA Board is meeting in Vienna, where the US, UK, France, and Germany have submitted a resolution to censure Iran for advancing its nuclear programme.
If passed, this could lead to the reimposition of heavy sanctions under the 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump withdrew from in 2018. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that the censure “will compel Iran to react strongly.”
Meanwhile, military dependents are also being withdrawn from Bahrain, and analysts suggest Iran is nearing the capability to produce nuclear weapons-grade material.
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