Israeli officials say the chances of a diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran are “very small,” amid widening gaps between the sides and continued U.S. military preparations in the region.

According to The Jerusalem Post, the divide is not only over American demands — including limits on Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz — but also over Tehran’s own conditions.

“At the moment, the Iranians are insisting on American compensation, as well as guarantees from the administration that there will be no further action against Iran as part of any agreement,” two sources involved in mediation efforts told the Post.

Despite public statements from President Donald Trump suggesting progress in negotiations, officials say developments on the ground tell a different story.

A source familiar with the details said the deployment of American forces in the Middle East is continuing as usual, including additional U.S. Marines positioned for a potential operation involving Iran’s Kharg oil island in the Strait of Hormuz — a strategic move that could help secure freedom of navigation.

Trump has not yet made a final decision on whether to launch such an operation, with the outcome still tied in part to ongoing negotiations.

Meanwhile, an American source told the Post that “the strikes are continuing as planned.”

Israeli officials also emphasized that coordination with the U.S. military remains unchanged, along with operational planning.

“Everything is continuing as usual. There is no change in the American war plans — and we do not see any such change,” one Israeli source said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)