The IDF continues to maintain a high level of readiness for the possibility of an escalation with Iran, a senior security official told Walla on Monday.
According to the official, coordination with the US military is continuing and is defined as "close."
Against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump earlier on Monday escalated his threats toward Tehran while speaking to reporters, claiming that "this is their last opportunity to sign the agreement." According to the US president, and contrary to messages heard throughout the day from the Islamic Republic, "the talks with Iran are taking place even now."
When the US president was asked, "What will happen if Iran collects payment in Hormuz?" he responded: "I will not let them collect anything. If anyone collects, it will be us. We have complete control of the strait. We have what is called a naval blockade through our navy, there will be no collection."
In response to the question, "What is your message to Americans who are wondering what has changed this time, after you called off a strike on Iran, at least for the fifth time since April, to allow negotiations?" Trump responded: "I don’t know. I think maybe we will achieve something, but I want to give them every last opportunity before heads are chopped off."
As the conflict continues, pressure on US to reach agreement builds
Alongside Trump’s statements, CBS reported that the US president is not interested in expanding the war, but rather seeks to apply pressure to gain an advantage in negotiations, an assessment that is increasingly taking hold among the Iranian leadership.
According to the report, which relied on sources in Iran, Trump’s series of threats and retreats, after setting ultimatums in April, May, and June that were not carried out, strengthened the sense among the leadership that the White House is primarily seeking to improve its position at the negotiating table, rather than launch a broad campaign.
Assessments in Tehran suggest that the Iranian regime is capable of absorbing the military and economic pressure while also raising the cost for the US through its regional proxies, foremost among them the Houthis in Yemen, as well as through an ongoing threat to international shipping, until Washington concludes that there is no military solution to the crisis.
Sources in Iran told Walla that the current feeling in Tehran is that time is working in Iran’s favor, and that the longer the confrontation continues, the greater the pressure on the US will be to reach an agreement.