Israel: Israel continued Monday to maintain a state of maximum alert in anticipation of a possible US strike on Iran amid fears of retaliatory attacks from Tehran, Israeli media reported.
According to Anadolu Agency, the public broadcaster KAN said Israel has remained on 'maximum alert' for more than a week due to the possibility of US military action against Iran. Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo, Northern Command chief, noted in comments carried by Channel 12 that Tehran could respond to any American attack by attempting to target Israel. He also mentioned that US forces are deployed in the Arabian Gulf region, but there is no complete clarity on the next steps.
Tension has increased between Washington and Tehran following anti-government protests in Iran last month. US media reported the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and three accompanying destroyers in the Indian Ocean, heading towards the Gulf of Oman, signaling a potential US attack on Iran.
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump confirmed these movements, stating that an American 'armada' is heading towards the Middle East and that the situation in Iran is being closely monitored by Washington. The US administration maintains that all options, including military action, are under consideration as they and Israel aim to change Iran's ruling system.
Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would provoke a 'swift and comprehensive' response. Last June, backed by the US, Israel launched a 12-day war against Iran, which resulted in retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Tehran, until a ceasefire was announced by Washington.
Israel and Iran have long regarded each other as primary adversaries, frequently trading accusations over sabotage operations and cyberattacks. While Israel, the US, and other states accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, Tehran insists its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, such as electricity generation. Despite widespread belief that Israel is the only nuclear-armed country in the region, it has never officially acknowledged its arsenal and is not subject to International Atomic Energy Agency inspections.