The Israeli security cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed until Sunday, a move officials attribute to concerns that a premature discussion could be misinterpreted by Iran as a signal of imminent joint U.S.-Israeli military action. The delay comes amid heightened alerts across Israel’s security and emergency services, anticipating a potential Iranian response even if Israel does not directly participate in any U.S. Strikes, according to sources familiar with the deliberations.
Assessments within the Trump administration suggest President Trump is leaning towards authorizing a “broad military strike” on Iran, following what officials describe as Tehran’s stalling tactics and misleading statements during negotiations. A diplomatic source, quoted by Al-Jazeera on Wednesday, indicated that “American patience with Iranian delays may run out faster than Tehran thinks.” This assessment aligns with reports that the U.S. Military is actively positioning itself for potential strikes, though the exact nature and scope of such operations remain undisclosed.
The potential for conflict has escalated significantly in recent months, with a 12-day war between Israel and Iran occurring eight months prior, in June 2025, involving assaults on military and nuclear sites across Iran. Another attack, officials acknowledge, would carry “substantial risks.”
The current tensions are further complicated by the potential involvement of other regional actors. Officials anticipate that the Houthis will likely join any conflict, and there is concern that Hezbollah may also become involved. The Home Front Command, responsible for civilian defense in Israel, has been instructed to prepare for war, reflecting the seriousness with which the possibility of Iranian missile attacks is being taken.
Widespread economic hardship in Iran, including the collapse of the rial, sparked large-scale anti-government protests in late December 2025. The government’s response was swift and brutal, resulting in over 6,400 confirmed protester deaths, with more than 11,000 additional deaths still under investigation. While President Trump initially threatened military intervention in response to the violence against protesters, he later refrained from immediate action, instead intensifying threats of military action if Iran did not negotiate regarding its nuclear program.
The conflict between Israel and Iran has been exacerbated by the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023, further escalating tensions in the region. The security cabinet’s postponement is intended to avoid miscalculation, but the underlying assessments of an impending U.S. Strike remain in place.
