Israel readies for potential new conflict with Iran, cites evolving threats

Israel's defence establishment is preparing for a possible future conflict with Iran, despite recent mixed messages from President Donald Trump. The military is expanding its capabilities, including acquiring additional aircraft, and reviewing lessons from the recent Operation Roaring Lion to maintain operational readiness.

Officials say the next confrontation is expected to differ from earlier fighting, aiming for a swift, intensive campaign rather than a prolonged war. They note that Iran has studied Israeli and U.S. tactics, adjusted its methods during previous engagements, and is likely to rely on its air-defence systems and missile forces rather than deploying its air force.

"Iran's ability to complicate Israel's operations in a future conflict should not be underestimated," a defence official said.

The Israeli defence ministry stresses that cooperation with the United States will remain a core element of any future operation, with each side contributing distinct capabilities.

While Israel claims Operation Roaring Lion succeeded in setting back Iran's nuclear programme, officials acknowledge that the campaign did not eliminate the nuclear threat. Western intelligence estimates that Iran still holds about 450 kilograms of highly enriched uranium, a stockpile that Israel says continues to pose a central security concern.

The ministry says monitoring of the material will persist and that a diplomatic agreement or other action will eventually be required to address the issue. Consequently, Israel is keeping its forces on high alert and planning for a conflict that may not repeat past patterns.