Iranian officials reportedly believe that a military confrontation with Israel and the United States is inevitable and are preparing for the possibility of an Israeli-led attack within days, potentially even before Israel’s Knesset elections on Tuesday.

According to a report by Channel 12 journalists Nir Dvori and Ohad Hemo, Iranian sources believe Israel will initiate the next round of fighting, with the United States potentially joining a broader military campaign.

The assessment has reportedly placed Tehran on heightened alert, although no independent evidence has been presented confirming that an Israeli or American attack is imminent.

Meanwhile, Israel’s defense establishment is increasingly concerned about the possibility of a dangerous miscalculation that could trigger a regional war.

Israeli security officials fear that Iranian leaders could misinterpret statements from Israeli politicians and military officials as indications that an attack is imminent, prompting Tehran to launch a preemptive response.

Security officials have reportedly warned that injecting political rhetoric into the already volatile security situation, particularly just days before the elections, could have dangerous consequences.

The IDF remains on its highest level of alert ahead of Tuesday’s vote.

During a security assessment Thursday, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized the importance of preventing an unnecessary escalation.

“It is important to maintain stability,” Zamir said.

According to the report, Israeli and American forces have continued conducting military exercises and maintaining operational readiness, with joint contingency plans already prepared should military action become necessary.

However, Israeli officials reportedly believe there have been no recent Iranian military developments that would currently justify launching an attack.

For now, Israel’s defense establishment reportedly favors the American strategy of intensifying economic pressure on Tehran, including restrictions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, rather than immediately escalating to direct military action.

Inside Iran, authorities are reportedly preparing for multiple scenarios while attempting to prevent what they believe could be an imminent attack.

Iranian media have published footage of production lines manufacturing suicide drones, apparently intended to demonstrate the country’s continued military capabilities.

Iranian assessments reportedly envision an initial Israeli strike that could pave the way for a larger American air campaign, potentially including an operation to seize one of Iran’s strategic islands.

Tehran has also reportedly expanded its potential target list for retaliation, with artificial intelligence facilities among the sites being discussed as possible targets.

The escalating tensions come as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly reiterated his objective of bringing down Iran’s ruling regime.

In an interview with Arutz Sheva, Netanyahu said he had instructed both the Mossad and the IDF to work toward that goal.

“I instructed that the only acceptable solution here is, of course, the overthrow of this fanatical regime,” Netanyahu said.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)