The Coming Storm: How Iran Is Readying for War with Israel

Iran has zeroed in on Israel’s vulnerability to ground-to-ground missiles and infrastructure attacks, setting the stage for a potential second war, warns Maj. Gen. (ret.) Giora Eiland in *Walla*. After the 12-day “Operation Lion’s Roar” in June 2025, Iran’s leadership, stung by national humiliation, is gearing up for retaliation, viewing Israel’s strikes as a wound only another war can heal.

Eiland, a former Israeli National Security Council head, reveals a missed 2004 opportunity when Russia proposed a plan to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions, enriching uranium to 4% in a jointly owned Russian facility, operated solely by Russian technicians, with spent fuel returned to Russia. Israel and the U.S. rejected it, a “historic failure” that allowed Iran to amass a vast missile arsenal, as reported by Walla.

Iran’s takeaways from the recent conflict are clear: ballistic missile barrages can devastate Israel, especially if aimed at power plants, desalination facilities, or hospitals. Tehran plans to dramatically expand its missile stockpile and acquire advanced air defense systems, possibly Russian fighter jets, after its air force sat idle last time. Its internal security, riddled with Israeli agents, also needs bolstering. Eiland questions Israel’s decision to launch the war, doubting claims that Iran was racing for a nuclear bomb and noting the U.S.’s limited role, a single strike on three nuclear sites. With no guarantee of American support in a future conflict, Iran may grow bolder.

Israel’s defense, intercepting 85% of ballistic missiles, was solid but insufficient against a doubled or tripled barrage. Eiland urges immediate upgrades to missile interception systems and “point defense” for critical infrastructure like power stations, beyond reliance on Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems. Offensively, Israel must develop surprise technologies to counter Iran’s improving defenses. “We can’t celebrate victory,” Eiland warns, as Iran, like Egypt post-1967, is aggressively rearming. Without swift action, Israel risks being outmaneuvered in the inevitable next clash.