Israel is preparing for the possibility of a significant escalation

Britain evacuates diplomats from Iran: unusual series of threats and preparations for escalation

Itamar Eichner

An unusual barrage of threats from Iran, a British announcement about the evacuation of diplomatic staff and Israeli preparations for the possibility of a significant escalation as early as this weekend: After the stepped-up American threats, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement that “for every ship attacked in Hormuz, we will destroy a power plant or bridge, including in Tehran,” the Iranians responded with nonstop threats. But an equally important development is Britain’s announcement that it is evacuating its personnel from Iran because of the security situation.

Against the backdrop of Israel’s preparations for the possibility of escalation with Iran, the IDF is on alert, refining defensive and

offensive procedures and maintaining continuous contact with the Americans in case Trump does choose escalation. A senior Israeli 

official said the key to developments in the coming days lies with Trump.

According to the official, Jerusalem is closely monitoring the White House’s decisions and preparing for 

every scenario. “If Trump decides to intensify the campaign, Israel will also be prepared for the possibility

of an Iranian response against its territory. On the other hand, if the American pressure leads to a 

temporary ceasefire or a renewal of contacts, it may be possible to prevent a broader escalation.”

The defense establishment assesses that the coming days will be decisive, and that Trump’s decisions will 

determine whether the region moves toward a wider confrontation or another attempt to curb the fighting 

through a diplomatic move.

Israel is preparing for the possibility of a significant escalation as early as this weekend, after the United 

States informed Jerusalem that it intends to expand strikes in Iran and use heavy bombers, for the first 

time in the current wave of escalation, against targets inside Iran. According to the information relayed to

Israel, this would constitute a step up in the American campaign. In Operation Roaring Lion, the United

States used strategic bombers that took off from Britain and carried out strikes in Iran, and similar use is 

now being considered as part of the continued fighting.

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