Targeting the Core: Israel and U.S. Plan "Short, Sharp" Strike on Iran
As the April ceasefire teeters on the brink, officials are preparing to use targeted strikes as coercive diplomacy to force major concessions from Tehran at the negotiating table, with the final decision resting with President Trump.
Israel is actively coordinating with the United States on preparations for a possible new round of targeted strikes on Iran, focusing on energy infrastructure and high-value assassinations, according to an Israeli source cited by Channel 12 political correspondent Yaron Abraham.
The plans, many of which were already developed and ready for execution before the fragile ceasefire that took effect in early April 2026, aim to deliver a short, sharp military campaign designed to increase pressure on Tehran and secure greater concessions in ongoing U.S.-led negotiations.
“The intention is to conduct a brief operation that will exert heavy pressure on Iran to extract additional concessions at the negotiating table,” the source told CNN, via Abraham. The source emphasized that the ultimate decision to resume hostilities rests with President Donald Trump.
Israeli and U.S. officials have discussed strikes on Iranian oil and gas facilities, refineries, and related energy infrastructure, alongside targeted eliminations of senior figures in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. Similar plans were prepared ahead of the April ceasefire, amid earlier rounds of conflict that began in late February 2026.
Recent reporting indicates Israel is on high alert, with concerns that U.S.-Iran talks could collapse in the coming days. Cabinet ministers have been briefed on rising chances of resumed strikes targeting energy sites and government institutions.
Any escalation could significantly impact global energy markets, as previous strikes on Iranian facilities have already caused volatility in oil prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Both Israeli and American officials continue to stress close coordination, while Iran has warned it is prepared for any renewed conflict.