Israel’s Threats Against Tehran, Shadow of War with the Islamic Republic Looming

Recent Israeli threats against Tehran indicate an increased likelihood of renewed war with the Islamic Republic.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, simultaneously facing domestic pressures including water shortage, power outages, and public discontent, has once again encountered direct and indirect threats from Israel. Israeli officials in recent days have repeatedly targeted Tehran with military warnings, and the likelihood of new confrontation between the two countries has increased.

“Eyal Zamir,” Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, referring to his country’s operational capabilities, stated: “We have struck Iran and its axis, whose stated goal was our destruction. We initiated a preemptive war to eliminate an existential threat that had recently emerged (before it could become a real threat).” He emphasized that Israel is capable, if necessary, of conducting extensive operations against the Islamic Republic.

“Danny Citrinowicz,” former head of the Iran branch in the research division of the Israeli military intelligence service, claimed: “The Islamic Republic has become trapped in a strategic impasse that could lead to renewed war.” He described internal crises, international pressures, and ongoing confrontation with Israel as a series of serious obstacles facing Tehran.

Israel’s current and former prime ministers, referring to the advanced water technology at Tel Aviv’s disposal, have called on Iran to choose between war or peace. “Naftali Bennett” stated in this regard: “Iran has no other choice; it can continue war or choose peace.”

Benjamin Netanyahu also declared: “This regime is not worthy of the children of Cyrus; you are not alone, come to the streets, I am with you.” He also announced that Tel Aviv is prepared to counter any Iranian efforts toward reconstructing its nuclear program.

Meanwhile, Islamic Republic officials are attempting to portray the situation as normal. Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister, stated: “As an international relations expert with 40 years of experience in this field, I do not believe war is imminent.” However, “Qasem Mohebali,” former director general of the Middle East at the Foreign Ministry, warned: “Enrichment without agreement means war, and the only way is temporary suspension of this right until an agreement is reached.”

Analyses by Israeli experts prior to the 12-day war, including a note by “Tamir Hayman,” retired major general and director of the Institute for National Security Studies, indicate that recent attacks could be a prelude to broader operations in the future. In his note, Hayman wrote that Israel’s comprehensive strike against the Islamic Republic would include the destruction of nuclear facilities, military-industrial centers, and disruption of Iran’s air defense systems, thereby preparing the groundwork for the next war.

A review of these analyses and repeated threats by Israeli officials has led many Iranian users and analysts to conclude that the shadow of renewed war is felt over Tehran, even though Islamic Republic officials are attempting to downplay this situation.