US may model Iran uranium extraction on Syrian nuclear operation, Israeli officials assess

Israeli security officials are assessing the possibility that the United States might use the recent International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) operation to remove nuclear material from Syria as a template for a similar operation targeting Iran's highly enriched uranium. This assessment comes amid ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran.

One security official described the situation with Iran as tense and unpredictable, stating, "We are alert and prepared. It could deteriorate within a matter of days. Within weeks or within months. It is in the air." This sentiment reflects a broader concern among Israeli defense officials about Iran's nuclear program and regional activities.

Israeli officials believe that, regardless of the slim chances of a direct US operation in Iran, Washington is signaling to Jerusalem that a model similar to the Syrian operation could be applied to Iran, contingent on an agreement with Tehran. Israel's strategic stance is that the Iranian regime must be significantly weakened under any scenario. They view a joint military operation with the United States, bolstered by increased US forces in the Middle East, as the most effective framework for achieving this objective.

In line with this, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has directed the military to maintain a high level of readiness for any eventuality, in close coordination with the US military. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance confirmed progress in negotiations with Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to ensure the flow of oil and gas and lower energy prices. He rejected claims of Iran preparing to tighten control over the strait, noting active talks involving additional Gulf states.

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the situation with Iran remains tense. We are alert and prepared. It could deteriorate within a matter of days. Within weeks or within months. It is in the air.