By Ginika Igboke
Israel is preparing for the possibility of increased U.S. military action against Iran in the coming days, according to senior Israeli officials, as President Donald Trump weighs whether to escalate pressure on Tehran or pursue a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Officials said Washington is developing options for potential operations inside Iran as part of a broader strategy aimed at forcing an agreement to end the war, now more than four weeks old. The preparations reflect growing expectations in Jerusalem that the conflict could intensify if ongoing diplomatic efforts fail.
Israeli leaders believe Trump has not yet made a final decision, leaving open the possibility of either a negotiated settlement or a significant escalation.
Escalation Threats and Military Planning
Trump has warned that the United States could target Iran’s critical infrastructure—including energy facilities and potentially desalination plants—if Tehran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a deal. The strategic waterway handles roughly 20 percent of global oil and gas shipments and has been heavily restricted by Iran since the conflict began in late February.
The disruption has sent global oil prices sharply higher. Crude, which traded at about $72 per barrel before the conflict, surged past $115 over the weekend amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions and a wider regional war.
Despite the threats, Trump has expressed optimism about diplomatic progress. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on March 29, he said both direct and indirect talks with Iran are ongoing and showing encouraging signs.
“We’ve had very good negotiations today with Iran,” Trump said, adding that Tehran faces serious consequences if it fails to agree to terms.
Iran Rejects Negotiation Claims
Iranian officials have denied that direct talks with the United States are taking place. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said Tehran has only communicated through intermediaries and remains focused on defending itself amid continued U.S. military actions.
“Over these past thirty-one days, we have had no negotiations with the United States,” Baqaei said, adding that messages have been relayed through third parties, including Pakistan.
Trump, however, has maintained that diplomatic momentum is building following weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes, which he says have reshaped Iran’s leadership and created an opening for negotiations.
According to the president, Iranian officials are considering elements of a U.S. proposal that includes halting uranium enrichment, dismantling key nuclear facilities, accepting international inspections, and scaling back missile development and support for regional proxy groups.
Iran has responded with its own demands, including an immediate end to U.S. and Israeli strikes, guarantees against future conflict, compensation for war damages, a broader regional cease-fire, and recognition of its claims over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s parliament has also approved a plan to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strait, further escalating tensions over the critical shipping route.
Regional Tensions and U.S.–Israel Coordination
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States has options to respond if Iran attempts to impose long-term restrictions or tolls on the Strait of Hormuz.
“That’s not going to be allowed to happen,” Rubio said in an interview, emphasizing that the administration is prepared to act to ensure freedom of navigation while still pursuing a diplomatic outcome.
Israeli officials said coordination between Jerusalem and Washington remains close as the situation evolves. They indicated that Israel would support any decision Trump makes regarding how and when to end the conflict.
At the same time, Israeli leaders stressed that military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon will continue regardless of any potential cease-fire with Iran.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on March 29 that he had ordered the Israel Defense Forces to expand operations in southern Lebanon in response to ongoing rocket attacks by the Iran-backed group.
The conflict has also expanded beyond Iran and Israel. Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have entered the fight, with Israeli officials reporting the interception of multiple drones launched from Yemen in recent days—marking a further escalation on Israel’s southern front.
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