Israel expects Iran to rely on missiles, air defenses in future conflict

Israeli security assessments indicate that any new round of fighting with Iran will differ from previous confrontations, following what they describe as a "major learning process" by Tehran regarding Israeli and US tactics during past encounters.

According to the Hebrew-language website Ynet, Israel continues to prepare for the possibility of renewed conflict with Iran, amid what it called "mixed signals" from US President Donald Trump in recent weeks. Israel is strengthening its capabilities and acquiring additional aerial assets after drawing lessons from Operation Roaring Lion.

The assessments suggest that Israel's objective in the event of a new conflict would be a "swift and intense battle" that ends as quickly as possible, rather than a prolonged war that could drag the region into a wider confrontation. However, officials acknowledge that "it is impossible to predict how the war will develop or end" once it begins.

The Israeli security establishment noted that Iran barely used its air force in previous rounds, with many of its aircraft remaining grounded or destroyed on the ground. It is expected that Tehran will again avoid direct aerial confrontation with Israeli and US superiority, instead relying on air defense systems and missile capabilities.

Officials warned against "underestimating" Iran's ability to complicate the next battle for Israel.

450 kilograms of uranium

On the nuclear issue, Israeli security officials acknowledged that Operation Roaring Lion did not eliminate the Iranian nuclear threat, even though it achieved its goals of setting back the program. Most strikes targeted military infrastructure, energy facilities, and regime-linked sites.

According to Israeli estimates and Western intelligence, the location of Iran's highly enriched uranium is known, with the quantity estimated at around 450 kilograms, and it remains under surveillance. Officials stressed that this stockpile will ultimately have to be addressed "either through an agreement or by other means," and that the nuclear program cannot be considered resolved as long as this material remains in Iran's possession.

The assessments also noted that cooperation with the United States will remain a key factor in any future conflict, with each side possessing "relative advantages" that do not necessarily overlap.