The IDF coordinated with the US military on several possible scenarios amidst escalations between the US and Iran, including one in which the US intensifies its response and Israel joins the strikes, a senior security official said on Sunday.
According to the official, tensions between two camps at the top of the Iranian leadership are delaying negotiations and making it difficult to reach a decision on a framework with the US.
The “pragmatic” camp includes Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a senior diplomat. Both are described by intelligence officials as “rational” and as figures who “want an agreement and understand their difficult situation.”
On the other side is a “fanatical and religious” camp that has only hardened its positions, led by Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Ahmad Vahidi.
The senior security official described them as “chess players with patience” who assess that US President Donald Trump does not want to return to fighting, certainly not before the midterm elections in November. Israel’s defense establishment analyzes the situation similarly.
The IDF is taking no risks as US and Iran trade strikes
At the same time, the senior security official clarified that, against the backdrop of extreme statements by senior regime officials against Trump, including threats of blood revenge, it's possible Trump may change his approach toward the Iranian regime.
The IDF is therefore taking no risks and remains on high alert, prepared defensively for a range of possible responses, in coordination with the US military.
According to assessments within the defense establishment, the Iranian regime is increasing friction with the US military in an effort to “buy time” without making a decision on the nuclear program or the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran views as a strategic tool and an economic and military lever.