Israel's threat against Tehran, the shadow of another war with the Islamic Republic

Israel's recent threats against Tehran indicate an increasing possibility of another war with the Islamic Republic.

The Islamic Republic of Iran, while facing domestic pressures including water shortages, power outages, and public discontent, has once again faced direct and indirect threats from Israel. Israeli officials have once again targeted Tehran with military warnings in recent days, raising the possibility of a new conflict between the two countries.

"We struck Iran and its axis, whose clear goal was our destruction. We launched a preemptive war to eliminate an existential threat that had just emerged (before it became a real threat)," said Eyal Zamir, the chief of staff of the Israeli army, referring to his country's operational capabilities. He emphasized that Israel is capable of carrying out a large-scale operation against the Islamic Republic if necessary.

Danny Citrinovich, former head of the Iran branch of the Israeli military intelligence agency's research department, also claimed: "The Islamic Republic is caught in a strategic dilemma that may lead to another war." He considered internal crises, international pressures, and the ongoing confrontation with Israel to be a set of serious obstacles in Tehran's path.

The current and former Israeli prime ministers have also called on Iran to choose between war or peace, citing Tel Aviv's advanced water technology. Naftali Bennett said: "Iran has no other choice, it can continue the war or choose peace."

Benjamin Netanyahu also stated: "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 ready to confront any attempt by Tehran to rebuild its nuclear program.

At the same time, Islamic Republic officials are trying to portray the situation as normal. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated: “As an international relations expert with 40 years of experience in this field, I do not think war is imminent.” However, Qassem Mohabali, former director general for the Middle East at the Foreign Ministry, warned: “Enrichment without an agreement means war, and the only way out is to temporarily suspend this right until an agreement is reached.”

Israeli experts’ analyses prior to the 12-day war, including a note by retired Major General Tamir Heyman, head of the Institute for National Security Studies, suggest that the recent attacks could be a prelude to a larger operation in the future. Heyman wrote in his note that a comprehensive Israeli attack on the Islamic Republic would include the destruction of nuclear facilities, military-industrial centers, and the disruption of Iran’s air defenses in order to prepare for the next war.

Reviewing these analyses and repeated threats from Israeli officials has led many Iranian users and analysts to conclude that the shadow of war is once again looming over Tehran, although Islamic Republic officials are trying to downplay this situation.