Report: IDF on ‘peak alert’ for renewed Iran fighting

President Trump’s latest remarks have fueled speculation that diplomacy with Iran may have reached its end.

By World Israel News Staff

The Israeli military is maintaining its highest level of readiness amid growing concerns that hostilities with Iran could resume, according to Hebrew-language media reports.

“The IDF is prepared for any development vis-a-vis Iran,” a senior military source told Ma’ariv. “If we are required to act offensively or defensively, we are ready.”

The comments come as Israeli defense officials continue to monitor the rapidly evolving security situation following renewed U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and Iran’s retaliatory attacks against American military assets in the Gulf.

Writing in Ma’ariv, defense analyst Avi Ashkenazi argued that President Donald Trump has only a limited political window, should he decide to resume a broad military campaign against Iran. According to Ashkenazi, any conflict and its economic and security consequences would likely need to be resolved before the November midterm elections.

The report also said Israeli officials believed Trump had delayed any major escalation in recent weeks because of celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, as well as the ongoing FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted in part by the United States.

With the anniversary events now concluded and the World Cup set to end next week, Israeli analysts believe the administration may have greater flexibility if it decides additional military action is necessary.

Speaking to Walla, another defense source described the current geopolitical climate in the Middle East as “explosive,” warning that the Israeli military could rapidly transition from routine operations to full-scale combat if circumstances require.

The source told Walla that neither the United States nor Iran appears eager to return to open warfare, adding that Tehran is attempting to buy time by prolonging negotiations with Washington.

However, the official warned that repeated attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, combined with calls from Iranian hardliners to assassinate President Trump, could eventually cause the U.S. president to “lose patience.”

Another indication cited by Israeli media that regional tensions remain elevated was Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s decision to abruptly cancel a visit to Israel that had been scheduled for Wednesday.

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, the United States carried out airstrikes against dozens of targets across Iran following attacks on commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.

Also on Wednesday, Trump declared that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran was “over” and referred to the Iranian regime as “scum,” underscoring the increasingly confrontational tone between Washington and Tehran despite previous diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation.