A senior U.S. official has told Al Jazeera that Israel began preparing for a potential military strike on Iran several days ago. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly on standby and fully ready to launch an attack if the political leadership gives the order. However, the U.S. government has emphasized that it is not involved in any aspect of the operation, distancing itself from what could be a major escalation in Middle East tensions.
The official noted uncertainty regarding the scale and scope of any Israeli strike, but intelligence assessments suggest the country is seriously considering two operational options. The first involves a limited strike aimed at crippling Iran’s two major uranium enrichment sites—Natanz and Fordow. These facilities are central to Iran’s nuclear program and have been long considered priority targets by Israeli planners.
The second, more expansive option would be a full-scale assault targeting not only nuclear sites but also a broad range of Iranian military assets. This scenario could involve dozens, if not hundreds, of targets across Iran. According to former Israeli intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Tamir Hayman, such a move would likely result in the immediate outbreak of a direct Israel-Iran war.
Analysts on Israeli Channel 12 added that in the event of a full-scale conflict, Israel would likely deploy every non-nuclear capability in its arsenal. This may include advanced cyber weapons, electronic warfare systems, and classified technologies that have never been publicly acknowledged. The use of these hidden assets could be intended to overwhelm Iran’s missile and air defense systems in the early phases of a conflict.
This development follows escalating tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and growing international concern over the pace and intent of its uranium enrichment activities. As diplomatic efforts stall and military rhetoric intensifies, the region braces for the possibility of a large-scale conflict that could have global repercussions.
