Iran war tensions rise: Are the U.S. and Israel preparing for a new military escalation?

Dubai: In recent hours, political and media signals have intensified, suggesting that the stage may be set for a return to conflict with Iran. This comes amid escalating rhetoric from both the United States and Israel, alongside stalled negotiations and the reemergence of talk about “open options” if Tehran fails to respond to U.S. conditions. Yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a 30-minute phone call, during which they emphasized full coordination between their countries. According to news website Axios, both leaders issued joint warnings to Tehran, threatening a renewed and intensified military offensive if strict U.S. conditions are not met. Trump told the media that his patience with Iran is running out, hinting that the military option could return with greater force if Tehran does not agree to freeze uranium enrichment for an extended period and dismantle its nuclear facilities. For his part, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s readiness for all scenarios, stressing the complete alignment between Tel Aviv and Washington. He emphasized that their key objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities and dismantling its enrichment infrastructure. The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation cited an official saying that both the United States and Israel have raised their alert levels in anticipation of possible renewed fighting with Iran. The same source noted that Trump warned “there will be nothing left of Iran” if it does not sign an agreement with the United States. 'The calm before the storm ' Trump’s remarks, along with his recent “storm” post on the Truth Social platform — where he described the current calm as “the calm before the storm” —coincide with intelligence reports indicating that U.S. forces in the region remain on high alert. These preparations reportedly include the potential resumption of large-scale airstrikes or even targeted ground operations against deeply buried Iranian nuclear sites. In Israel, the rhetoric appears similarly firm, though more measured in public. Israeli media outlets and sources close to the security establishment have reported for days that the current “fragile truce” with Iran may not hold. Tel Aviv remains unconvinced that Tehran has abandoned its military ambitions or regional strategies. Behind the scenes, reports continue to surface about preparations for new military scenarios, ranging from limited strikes to broader operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure and its regional networks. The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli army is on high alert for the possibility of renewed attacks on Iran, citing government sources. Beyond official statements, the broader atmosphere is increasingly tense. Washington and Tel Aviv are steadily escalating both rhetoric and pressure in response to what they view as Iran’s lack of cooperation — echoing the buildup seen before previous rounds of conflict. While analysts caution that such language does not necessarily indicate an imminent war, it is often used to lay the groundwork for potential escalation. Nevertheless, talk of a “return to war” requires careful interpretation. Although no definitive indicators point to an immediate conflict, the region has not fully exited a state of confrontation. Recent developments have created conditions ripe for rapid escalation into direct conflict due to ongoing tensions and complex geopolitical dynamics. The key question now is whether the current fragile truce can withstand this level of mistrust, political pressure, and military escalation.