Although the United States refrained from launching attacks against Iran overnight for the first time in nearly two weeks, Israel remains on maximum alert as defense officials prepare for the possibility that a major American military operation could still be imminent.

For the first time in 13 consecutive nights, no U.S. strikes were reported against Iranian targets. Even so, Israeli security officials continue to operate under the assumption that Washington may soon move forward with a large-scale assault that was reportedly postponed over the weekend.

According to Israeli defense assessments, preparations remain underway for a significant American operation. Officials believe President Donald Trump could ultimately determine that military action is unavoidable, prompting the Israeli Air Force to maintain an elevated level of readiness in anticipation of a possible escalation.

Speaking to reporters at the White House early Monday, Trump emphasized that no final decision has yet been reached. “They are talking to us right now. They want to make a deal. I don’t think they’re ready for that. I don’t think it’s time yet, but I’m willing to listen,” he said.

Trump also reaffirmed that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a top priority. “They can’t have nuclear weapons. We don’t want to see Washington, or any of our cities, or Israel, and, frankly, the entire Middle East-destroyed with nuclear weapons. If they have such weapons, they will use them,” he said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command announced no military operations against Iran overnight, marking the first such pause in approximately 13 nights. Earlier reports indicated that an American naval vessel intercepted an oil tanker attempting to breach the blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. The encounter reportedly occurred in waters off the coast of Oman.

According to a report citing U.S. officials, American intelligence agencies believe Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is even more supportive of pursuing nuclear weapons than his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed early in the war in an Israeli strike carried out with U.S. intelligence assistance, had publicly maintained religious opposition to the development of nuclear weapons.

The report comes after Iran reportedly rejected a ceasefire proposal delivered by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani on behalf of the Trump administration. Iranian and Iraqi officials told The New York Times that the diplomatic initiative came as Trump warned Tehran that the United States was prepared to expand attacks against Iran’s vital infrastructure.

Israel, meanwhile, continues to prepare for additional Iranian retaliation and the possibility of a wider conflict. Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu convened a meeting of the limited security cabinet on Sunday to assess the latest developments, although no changes have been made to the Home Front Command’s civilian safety directives.

As speculation grows over a possible meeting between Netanyahu and Trump, the IDF remains on heightened alert, operating under the assessment that an American strike against Iran could be launched at any moment. Overnight, the U.S. State Department also updated its travel advisory, urging American citizens to avoid traveling to Israel while regional tensions remain exceptionally high.

{Matzav.com}