Washington’s Message from Tel Aviv: From Deterrence to Limited Strike
The United States’ readiness for “targeted operations against Iran” has become the focus of discussions between CENTCOM and Israel.
Amid escalating regional tensions and intensified political and military pressure on the Islamic Republic, Israeli media has reported a new message from the United States; a message that emphasizes Washington’s capability to conduct limited military action against Iran, without meaning immediate entry into a comprehensive war.
Israel’s Channel 14 reported that “Brad Cooper,” commander of the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), during his recent trip to Israel, declared to this country’s military officials that the United States is fully prepared to execute a “targeted operation” against the Islamic Republic. According to the report, American officials also clarified that more time is still needed to complete preparations for a “comprehensive conflict.”
Based on this report, in meetings held between the American delegation and Israeli army commanders, it was emphasized that Washington’s current approach is based on limited, purposeful, and controlled actions. One of the commanders present at these sessions declared that American strategy is to execute short, swift, and clean operations; operations that, from the perspective of their planners, must send a clear political and military message, without plunging the region into a cycle of widespread confrontation.
The CENTCOM commander’s trip to Tel Aviv and his meeting with “Eyal Zamir,” Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, took place amid circumstances where, in recent days, speculation about the possibility of American military action against the positions and institutions of the Islamic Republic has notably increased. These movements occurred simultaneously with the strengthening of the United States’ military presence in the Middle East, including the deployment of naval vessels and heavy equipment.
In this context, Donald Trump, the U.S. President, previously warned repeatedly about the suppression of protesters by alluding to internal developments in Iran, and spoke of the possibility of Washington’s intervention. On February 21st, he confirmed that America has deployed a significant volume of military equipment to the region and announced the movement of “a large fleet” toward the Middle East; an action that, according to him, was undertaken with the aim of closely monitoring developments in Iran.
Israeli media also reported the deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier near Iran; an action that analysts assess as part of a show of force and increased deterrent pressure on Tehran.
Meanwhile, the editorial board of Iran International also stated in a statement released yesterday, January 25th, corresponding to February 15th, that the scale of violence by Islamic Republic forces during the national uprising exceeded initial estimates, and more than 36,500 people were killed during the targeted suppression of protesters, by order of Ali Khamenei.
Israel has also claimed in its reports that, from Washington’s perspective, regime change in Iran is considered an “essential necessity.” Based on this narrative, the likely focus of any American military action would be not on public infrastructure, but on institutions and individuals who directly played a role in the suppression and killing of protesters; segments of the ruling system that, according to American officials, have lost their legitimacy.
Concurrent with these developments, Israeli officials have also reported their readiness for various scenarios. “Rafi Milo,” commander of Israel’s Northern Command, stated: “This country has prepared itself for any possible retaliatory response from the Islamic Republic and is closely monitoring Hezbollah’s movements.”
On the other hand, “Samuel Zakai,” head of Israel’s Aviation Administration, warned foreign airlines that the region may enter a more sensitive period and there is a possibility of again closing Israeli airspace in case of escalated tensions.
