Inside IDF Chief's Secret Visit to US

Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir made a brief trip to the United States this week for intensive discussions with senior American officials regarding preparations for a potential U.S. strike on Iran, according to details cleared for publication Sunday.

The two-day visit included meetings with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and his team, according to Israeli media reports. Israeli officials are seeking to influence the U.S. to pursue broad action that could lead to the downfall of Iran's regime.

Zamir has held multiple meetings with senior American military officials in recent weeks focusing on Iran, including previous sessions at IDF headquarters in Tel Aviv.

The visit comes as the U.S. continues massing military forces in the Middle East while awaiting President Donald Trump's decision on whether to launch strikes. Trump has remained deliberately ambiguous on the matter.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei issued a stark warning Sunday, stating that if the U.S. initiates military action, "this time it won't be a regular war but a regional war. While we don't want to attack countries, there will be no choice."

"We have no intention to attack countries, but the Iranian people will strike hard blows against anyone who attacks or harasses them," Khamenei added in comments published by Iran's official news agency.

Khamenei also posted the warning on social media, writing: "The Americans must know that if they start a war, this time it will be a regional war."

Israeli officials are pushing for comprehensive action rather than limited strikes, hoping to capitalize on what they view as an opportunity to fundamentally alter the strategic balance with Tehran.

The military consultations reflect the close coordination between Israeli and American defense establishments as both countries navigate the possibility of direct military confrontation with Iran.