West detects unusual Iran military moves; strike talk grows

Western intelligence agencies have detected unusual Iranian military activity in recent days, against the backdrop of mounting internal pressure in the country and the transfer of power to Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership. Israel and the United States are maintaining close coordination and frequent communication regarding these developments, but President Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether or when to launch a military strike. Channel 12 reported Thursday evening.

According to the report by Yaron Avraham, the assessment is that the extreme steps by the ayatollahs' regime stem from internal pressure and growing strategic distress. Prime Minister Netanyahu presented President Trump with a situation assessment and exclusive updates on what is happening in Iran under Mojtaba Khamenei's leadership.

Despite identifying the unusual steps, Israeli and American security officials believe at this stage that the developments in Iran do not constitute a "ticking bomb" requiring immediate and urgent action that cannot be delayed. However, coordination between the two countries continues closely.

Israeli officials make clear that if a military plan is implemented, it cannot focus on a single component, it must include comprehensive strikes on infrastructure, energy facilities, missile systems and the nuclear program. This approach has also been presented to the American administration as part of the ongoing dialogue.

This development is unfolding at the height of a particularly tense political period: 12 days until Israel's general elections and 19 days until the US midterm elections. This sensitive timeline may influence decision-making in both capitals.

Patriot missile battery (Photo: German military delegation to NATO)

American strike plans

Meanwhile, CNN reported that the US military has developed comprehensive strike plans against the Islamic Republic, including possible use of the GBU-43/B bomb, known by its nickname "Mother of All Bombs" (MOAB). President Trump ordered the military to prepare varied strike packages against Iran, including hits on numerous energy infrastructure sites and key nuclear facilities.

The plans are designed for execution if the president orders renewed attacks, before or after the midterm elections. A security source noted that the wording in the plans refers to a strike to be carried out "before the American withdrawal from the area of responsibility of Central Command (CENTCOM)."

One of the central targets in the strike plans is the fortified nuclear site "Mountain Forge." Trump has hinted repeatedly in recent months at attacking the site, where according to US and Israeli intelligence assessments Tehran stores critical components of its nuclear program. The plans presented explicitly call for using the MOAB bomb to destroy the facility.

The GBU-43 is a massive aerial bomb designed to create a powerful blast wave and destroy targets over a wide area. It contains approximately 8,500 kilograms of H6 explosive material and is considered the largest aerial bomb built with a satellite guidance system. The bomb was developed in the United States in 2003 as part of efforts to create an aerial weapon with exceptional blast power.

In a speech at a campaign rally in Arizona, the American president detailed the severe blow US forces have inflicted on Iran's ruling elite. "We hit their leadership in an inhuman way," Trump claimed. "The first tier of leaders was eliminated, so they appointed a second tier. When we pursued and eliminated the second tier as well, they moved to a third tier, and half of it is already gone."

Referring to the continued fighting on the ground, the president made clear the campaign is in its final stretch: "It's going to end very soon." Alongside the assessment of the fighting's end, Trump explained why the aggressive military steps were necessary, and warned of a scenario in which the Iranian regime achieves operational nuclear capability.

While unofficial diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran continue on the surface, Iran's ruling elite continues to take a militant line. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf called for continuing and intensifying preparations for direct military confrontation with the United States.

In a speech broadcast on Iranian state television, Ghalibaf addressed the attempt to prevent another American attack, but claimed the way to do so is through a show of force. "They break everything they promise," he said. According to him, the only response to a "bully enemy" is real readiness for combat. "We must fight truly and courageously on the battlefield," he declared.