IDF Chief Discusses Potential US-Iran Military Escalation with American Officials

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir spoke with senior US officials two days ago regarding US military preparations for a potential large-scale resumption of hostilities against Iran within the next three weeks, according to a US official and another source briefed on the talks. During the conversation, Zamir warned that renewing the war within this timeframe could lead to the postponement of upcoming elections in Israel, given expectations of a heavy Iranian missile retaliation. The IDF Spokesperson's Unit declined to comment on discussions between the Chief of Staff and his American counterparts.

US Military Preparations and Donald Trump's Position

The talks follow recent statements from US officials indicating that the Pentagon has instructed the US Central Command to finalize preparations for a renewed conflict with Iran, though the directive did not specify a launch date. US officials emphasized that President Donald Trump is weighing whether to resume military action before upcoming elections in the US and Israel, though a final decision has yet to be made. A US official estimated that a definitive decision will be reached within seven to ten days.

According to the American plan, any large-scale operations against Iran would be coordinated between Washington and Jerusalem, with the IDF expected to participate. The operation is planned to be highly intensive yet relatively brief, focusing on massive airstrikes against Iranian energy, infrastructure, and nuclear targets. A US official stated that President Trump initiated the renewed planning, marking a reversal from February when the initiative originated in Israel with US concurrence.

"While Iran is in a very bad position economically and militarily, and while the blockade remains fully in place, we will not attack Iran at any stage before the midterm elections," President Donald Trump stated.

Diplomatic Signals and Netanyahu Discussions

Amid these military preparations, President Trump issued a statement noting that the US is conducting productive talks with Iran while maintaining a full blockade. Trump added that oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz in record volumes, emphasizing that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons.

Trump spoke yesterday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A White House official claimed that the Iranian issue was not raised during the call, which instead focused on the October 7 Memorial Day, Israeli elections, and Netanyahu's standing in the polls.