Israel has warned the US of its readiness to conduct a unilateral military strike against Iran if it exceeds a defined threshold concerning its ballistic missile program.
Israel has reportedly warned the United States that it is prepared to carry out a unilateral military strike against Iran if Tehran crosses a red line related to its ballistic missile program, according to a media report. The warning comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for an upcoming visit to Washington amid heightened concern over Iran’s military capabilities.
Israeli defense officials recently told their American counterparts that Iran’s ballistic missile program represents an existential threat to Israel. Israeli officials conveyed in recent weeks that Jerusalem is prepared to act alone if necessary to dismantle Iran’s missile capabilities and related production infrastructure.
“We told the Americans we will strike alone if Iran crosses the red line we set on ballistic missiles,” a source told The Jerusalem Post, adding that Israel believes Iran has not yet reached that threshold but is “continuously tracking developments inside Iran.”
Security sources said Israeli officials outlined operational concepts during high-level exchanges with US counterparts, including possible strikes on key manufacturing and missile-related facilities. Officials stressed that Israel reserves freedom of action and will not allow Iran to restore strategic weapons systems at a level that could threaten Israel’s existence.
One Israeli defence official described the current situation as a “historic opportunity” to deliver a major blow to Iran’s missile infrastructure and neutralise active threats to Israel and neighbouring states, according to the report.
At the same time, Israeli officials have expressed concern that US President Donald Trump could adopt a limited strike model if military action is considered. Several officials cited worries that such an approach – similar to recent US operations against the Houthis in Yemen – would leave Iran’s critical capabilities intact.
“The worry is he might choose a few targets, declare success, and leave Israel to deal with the fallout, just like with the Houthis,” another military official said, as quoted by The Jerusalem Post, adding that partial measures would not eliminate the core threat.
Netanyahu to be in Washington
Meanwhile, Netanyahu is expected to meet Trump in Washington on Wednesday to discuss US talks with Iran, his office said. “The prime minister believes that all negotiations must include limiting the ballistic missiles and ending support for the Iranian axis,” Netanyahu’s office said in a brief statement.
Within the Israel Defense Forces, Brig. Gen. Omer Tishler, the incoming air force commander, is expected to accompany Netanyahu on the trip. Tishler will represent IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, as Israel currently does not have a defense attaché in Washington following Defense Minister Israel Katz’s decision not to approve the military’s nominee for the post.
The US and Iran held indirect talks on Friday in Oman that appeared to return to the starting point on how to approach discussions over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Trump said the United States had “very good” talks. The US was represented by Mideast special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law.