Defense establishment assesses: Nuclear operation in Syria intended to signal a similar model in Iran

A defense source said this week in a closed forum against the backdrop of negotiations between the USA and Iran that: "The situation with Iran remains tense. We are alert and ready. It could deteriorate within a few days. Within weeks or months. It is in the air."

Against the backdrop of reports published in recent days, according to which the United States is working to remove nuclear project components from Syria, sources in the Israeli defense establishment believe that despite the slim chance, the White House is trying to signal to Israel that it is capable of executing a similar model in Iran, subject to an agreement with the extremist regime in Tehran.

Meanwhile, Israel insists that in any scenario, the Iranian regime must be significantly weakened. The ultimate framework for advancing this goal is a joint military operation with the United States, provided its forces are reinforced in the Middle East and it does not leave the region after having resolved, from its perspective, the "mine" called the Strait of Hormuz. Because of this, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has instructed to maintain high readiness for any scenario, in cooperation with the United States military.

The United States and Iran are approaching a decision point in contacts surrounding the Strait of Hormuz: in Tehran, they claim that the framework for an agreement with Oman has already been formed and that the final text and its details will be published soon, while United States Vice President J.D. Vance confirms that in recent days there has been progress in the negotiations.

At the same time, the possibility of resuming American strikes remains on the table, as does the possibility of an independent Israeli strike. In the United States, the discussion continues on how it would be possible to strike the underground nuclear site at Fordow, if President Donald Trump decides that the contacts have failed.

According to the Vice President, the current contacts are focused, among other things, on creating the conditions that will allow maximizing the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, with the goal of lowering fuel and energy prices in the United States. He rejected the claim that Iran is about to tighten its control over the strait, and said that active talks are taking place, in which other Gulf states are also involved, with the goal of allowing safe passage for vessels.

Oman also expressed cautious optimism and announced that the negotiations with Iran are being conducted in a "positive and constructive atmosphere." At the same time, Muscat called to refrain from actions that could harm the contacts and the progress already achieved. These remarks were made after the UAE accused Iran of attacking a vessel associated with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in the Strait of Hormuz.