Israeli Strike on Iran Seen as More Likely Than Diplomatic Deal
With tensions heating up over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump spoke Monday about what comes next—and whether Israel might go it alone. According to Keren Setton’s report for The Media Line, Netanyahu called a high-level meeting immediately after the call, while Trump reportedly urged Israel not to jeopardize ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations.
But according to security expert Kobi Michael, Israel might be done waiting. “We are closer to an attack than to the successful conclusion of the talks,” he told Setton. With Iran creeping toward weapons-grade capability and its proxy networks weakened since October 2023, Israel sees an opening. It has already carried out deep strikes inside Iran, hit Hezbollah and the Houthis hard, and tested long-range operational capacity—sometimes using over 100 aircraft.
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Recent operations, including an Israeli navy strike off Yemen’s coast, are being interpreted as trial runs for a broader offensive. Iran’s nuclear sites are dispersed and hardened, but Israel has the tools: F-35 jets, Jericho missiles, cyber warfare units, and likely commando teams preparing quietly.
Efraim Inbar of the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security says an Israeli strike would aim to neutralize Iran’s ability to retaliate, not just destroy nuclear infrastructure. Targets could include financial centers and symbols of the regime.
The biggest unknown? Whether Israel would act alone. Trump has sent mixed signals on US involvement. But Netanyahu may not wait for clarity. “Israel has been building its ability for decades,” Michael said. “It is possible.”
To understand just how close Israel may be to launching a strike on Iran—and what that would mean—read Keren Setton’s full report.
