Israel Finalizes Iran Strike Plans as Trump’s Massive Armada Circles
With a U.S. "armada" in position and 450 Tomahawk missiles on standby, Israel's top commanders have officially greenlit contingency plans for a direct assault on Tehran.
Israel’s top air force and military intelligence commanders have finalized contingency plans for possible strikes against Iran, in the event that a United States attack on Tehran escalates into a broader regional conflict, according to a report from the Israeli news outlet Ynet.
The plans were approved in a key discussion between Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar, the commander of the Israeli Air Force, and Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, the head of military intelligence. Israel could participate in such action if it comes under attack, the report said.
The preparations come as the United States has deployed significant naval forces to the Middle East, amid heightened tensions with Iran. Reports from NBC News indicated that President Trump has not yet decided on the use of this deployment, described as an “armada,” and that the objectives of any potential military action remain unclear. U.S. officials, speaking to NBC, said Trump has not selected specific targets for a possible strike. However, the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships are moving into range of Iran. The deployment is characterized as a response to escalating regional tensions rather than preparation for a predefined mission. The United States has more than 450 Tomahawk cruise missiles aboard naval vessels in the region, which could be employed Trump authorizes an operation against Iran, according to the report.
Diplomatic channels are also active, with indirect talks between the United States and Iran concluding yesterday in Muscat, the capital of Oman. The discussions involve Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have intensified in recent weeks, following Trump’s statement last month during protests in Iran that “help is on the way” for demonstrators, a promise that has not yet been fulfilled.
Trump has warned Iran that it must swiftly pursue an agreement with the United States or face military action, though he has stated that such action would not aim to overthrow the Islamic Republic’s leadership. He has not established a firm deadline but has said “time is running out,” and this week cautioned Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, that he “should be very worried.”