A senior diplomatic source in the Middle East said Thursday that the United States wants the current military campaign against Iran brought to a close quickly and has given Israel roughly one week to wrap up the operation.

Speaking in an interview with Yisroel Hayom, the official said Washington is eager to end the conflict and has set a short timetable for its conclusion. According to the source, the Iranian regime itself is unlikely to fall, since that would require either a ground invasion or a renewed wave of mass protests within Iran — developments that currently appear unlikely.

The official described what he said is a significant difference in outlook between Jerusalem and Washington. While Israeli leaders view the war as a major strategic success and are celebrating the achievements, officials in the United States are primarily concerned about the rising cost of oil and the broader economic implications of a prolonged conflict.

The source also addressed the situation in Lebanon and the status of Hezbollah, saying that despite Israel’s elimination of the group’s previous secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, the organization itself remains intact. The same, he said, is true for Hamas.

According to the official, Israel is making a mistake by not capitalizing on its military successes through diplomatic channels. He suggested that regional Arab countries could help facilitate such a process, though he noted that the matter is highly sensitive.

Turning to the issue of Qatar, the source said that Arab countries now increasingly view the Gulf state as a partner rather than a problematic actor. He said this represents a significant shift from the past, when Qatar was often accused of playing a “double game.”

The change, he explained, stems largely from Qatar’s mediation role in negotiations related to the hostages and from the role President Donald Trump has allowed the country to play in developments connected to the Gaza Strip.

The source also criticized Israel’s government, arguing that certain hardline elements within the coalition are using the war with Iran to advance policies on the ground in Judea and Samaria that involve pushing Palestinians out of certain areas.

According to the official, these steps risk undermining an opportunity to calm tensions throughout the region — including in Gaza — and to pursue diplomatic initiatives following Israel’s military gains.

{Matzav.com}