Israel and US on highest alert for possible new strikes on Iran

Published May 17th, 2026 - 06:02 GMT
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NORFOLK, VIRGINIA - MAY 16: Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrives at Naval Station Norfolk on May 16, 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia. Nearly 4,500 sailors of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group returned to Naval Station Norfolk after an 11-month deployment. Mike Kropf/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Mike Kropf / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

ALBAWABA - Israel and the United States are on the highest state of alert over concerns of a possible renewed military attack against Iran, Israel's official radio quoted an Israeli source as saying.

The source added if U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to resume military activities, further strikes would likely be carried out jointly by American and Israeli forces.

The report said Israel was particularly interested in targeting Iran’s energy sector should the conflict reignite.

Israeli authorities informed the channel that preparations for a potential return to conflict were underway with renewed military readiness. But they emphasized that Trump’s ultimate decision will continue to be a key consideration in any serious escalation.

Internal conversations focus on whether hitting Iran’s national infrastructure can put pressure on Tehran to adopt a more flexible stance in talks, officials added.

A number of specialists meanwhile are believed to doubt Iran's willingness to make big concessions under the current situation.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump warned Iran not to wait in accepting U.S. terms to stop the war that began February 28.

On Truth Social, Trump wrote: “The clock is ticking for Iran and they must move fast or there will be nothing left of them. Time is of the essence.

The threat came soon after a phone discussion between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Regional intelligence sources told Fox News the conversation took place as U.S. administration officials continue to discuss potential responses to recent developments involving Iran, including rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and stalled negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.