Reuters quoted Israeli sources as saying that Israel had raised its alert level to the maximum level, in anticipation of any sudden developments that might include direct American intervention in Iran, in light of the escalation of regional tensions and the acceleration of events inside Iranian territory.
According to the same sources, Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during which the possibility of US intervention in Iran was discussed, in addition to discussing developments in the situation in Syria, and developments in the peace agreement related to the Gaza Strip.
According to security reports, Israel is preparing for the possibility of a large-scale Iranian response that may target American and Israeli bases in the region, especially in light of the escalation of internal protests in Iran in recent days and their expansion in scope remarkably.
In this context, the Israeli newspaper “Maariv” reported that the military establishment observed a qualitative shift in the nature of the protests inside Iran since Thursday night, as the number of participants increased and the intensity of the confrontations increased, with demonstrators resorting to targeting government symbols and the power structure in several cities and regions, which reflects an unprecedented level of popular anger.
At the American level, media reports revealed preliminary discussions within the administration of President Donald Trump about scenarios for dealing with Iran, including the option of military intervention if developments dictate that, in implementation of previous warnings issued by Trump.
The Wall Street Journal quoted an American official as saying that one of the proposed options is to launch massive air strikes targeting multiple Iranian military sites, while another official confirmed that no final decision has been reached, and no forces or military equipment have yet been moved in preparation for a possible attack.
Politically, US President Donald Trump wrote on his “Truth Social” platform that “Iran yearns for freedom, perhaps more than ever, and the United States is ready to help,” in a statement that was seen as direct support for the escalating protests inside the country.
In a similar escalatory tone, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham sent a message to the Iranian people in which he said: “Your long nightmare is about to end. President Trump and all lovers of freedom are watching your courage and determination to end injustice.”
These developments come at a time when the region is witnessing increasing tension, amid international fears that the situation is sliding towards a broader confrontation that may include Iran, the United States and its allies, with serious repercussions for regional stability.
