Is Iran Set for a 'Major Blow' Tonight? Israeli Source Responds

According to "Yedioth Ahronot," uncertainty still surrounds the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations against Iran, as the United States has raised its security warnings in several Middle Eastern countries amid signs of an imminent escalation.

The newspaper quoted an American CBS network source stating that Tel Aviv is unaware of any U.S. decision to fully resume military operations, nor has it received any request to participate in new attacks against Iran.

The official, whose identity was not disclosed, spoke under Israel's official silence regarding reports about Washington and Tel Aviv preparing for one of the broadest waves of airstrikes inside Iran during the weekend break.

As reported by "Yedioth Ahronot," Israel is currently avoiding appearing as the party pushing the United States to expand the war, especially given growing internal criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump over his confrontation with Iran, the approaching midterm elections, and mounting pressure from high fuel prices.

The paper suggests Trump may face two contradictory choices: either retreat out of fear of becoming entangled in a prolonged military campaign that would raise oil prices and increase domestic political costs, or deliver a strong blow in hopes of achieving a swift outcome that shifts the course of the confrontation. It added that the final decision will largely depend on assessments and plans presented by the U.S. military to the White House.

Widespread U.S. Warnings

Concurrently, U.S. embassies in Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and Israel issued security alerts to their citizens, urging them to prepare for a possible rapid departure if tensions escalate.

The embassies warned that the security situation in the region has become complex, with the possibility of an "unexpected escalation," advising Americans to raise their vigilance and prepare for potential flight cancellations, airspace closures, and sudden disruptions in travel.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of State issued a general advisory to Americans in the Middle East, urging those within the region to consider leaving or preparing to do so, while advising those outside to reconsider traveling to or passing through the area.

The warning noted that U.S. diplomatic facilities have previously been targeted, and that Iran and its allied groups could target American interests or sites linked to the United States and its citizens in various parts of the world.

In parallel, Iran’s Fars news agency released a video claiming to show the return to operation of a petrochemical plant in Asaluyeh, southern Iran, following an attack during the war.

The agency’s reporter was seen touring the site, pointing to visible damage and debris, and confirming that the facility provides energy and infrastructure for petrochemical plants in the region.

According to the Iranian report, the site was hit by 15 missiles, and approximately 550 tons of rubble and debris were cleared during repair efforts. The report highlighted that the petrochemical sector contributes significantly to Iran’s foreign exchange earnings, making its targeting a direct blow to the economy.

"Yedioth Ahronot" says Tehran is simultaneously seeking to raise the threat level in an attempt to deter Trump from authorizing new strikes, amid reports of attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

The newspaper also referenced the Kuwaiti military’s announcement of intercepting drones targeting "vital facilities," with damage reported on private vessels near Boubian Island, though no injuries were reported.

Green Light Subject to Cancellation

According to reports cited by the newspaper, Trump may have already granted preliminary approval to resume attacks on Iran, though implementation has not yet begun, leaving open the possibility of last-minute reversal.

"Yedioth Ahronot" concludes that the situation remains open to multiple scenarios, amid Israeli silence, escalating U.S. mobilization, Iranian efforts to demonstrate readiness and raise the cost of any new strike, while the central question remains whether Washington is prepared to enter a wide-scale military campaign that could trigger a new wave of escalation across the region.