Israeli official: renewed conflict with Iran 'a matter of time'

An Israeli official has said that a new round of strikes against Iran is only a matter of time, confirming that Israel is prepared to resume conflict with Tehran and on other fronts. This comes as Israel observes increased efforts to relocate and fortify Iran’s nuclear project at Jabal Al-Fas near the Natanz facility.

Speaking on Thursday, the official stated that Iran is accelerating its nuclear program in anticipation of any potential attack. He noted that Israeli intelligence has recently detected intensified attempts to move and secure the nuclear project in the area near Natanz, according to Israeli media reports.

He emphasized that Israel is "ready both defensively and offensively for the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran and on other fronts at any time." He added that Israeli forces "will act to strike nuclear facilities and any related sites again if Tehran crosses any red lines, whether in coordination with the United States or independently."

The official said that "coordination with the Americans is strong and ongoing," adding that economic pressure on Tehran, internal divisions, and domestic unrest could prompt Iran to respond militarily in the region, including against Israel. He stated that "the real guarantee to prevent a nuclear Iran lies in bringing down its current regime by one means or another."

Earlier today, Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, warned that the conflict could expand beyond the Indian Ocean if necessary, according to reported statements.

Two days earlier, Iranian Revolutionary Guard spokesperson Hossein Mohabbie warned that any new attack on Iran would prompt Tehran to change the geography and nature of the conflict, as he put it.

On the political front, the Israeli official said that the US economic blockade on Iran has been highly effective, weakening the regime and potentially accelerating its collapse sooner than many expect. He explained that elections do not represent a decisive factor in Iran’s decision-making process.

He also said that Israel does not see a real opportunity for an agreement between the United States and Iran, despite ongoing contacts and mediation efforts. He attributed this to what he described as Tehran’s stalling and its bets on political developments in the US and Israel.

On Wednesday, Iran and the United States held talks in New York through Qatari mediation on the sidelines of United Nations meetings, but failed to reach any agreement. Disputes remain over several issues, most notably the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a persistent lack of trust between the two sides.