Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz has issued a stern warning that Israel is prepared to resume military operations against Iran if necessary, emphasizing that the Israeli army is fully prepared and on alert for any field developments.
Speaking at a military ceremony, Katz stated, "The army is ready and on alert to resume fighting to restore air superiority and strike again inside Iran to eliminate threats, including, if necessary, for a third time. If we are required to return, we will return with greater force."
These statements come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, following recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian sites and facilities, which the U.S. claims are linked to Tehran's capabilities to threaten navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. strikes were a response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the strait, with Washington asserting that its military actions were in retaliation for these assaults, while Iran has not claimed responsibility.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump stressed that the strikes were a direct response to the targeting of commercial ships, warning on the "Truth Social" platform that any repetition of these attacks will be met with a more severe response.
In the same context, "The New York Times" reported that U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) targeted over 170 military sites within Iran over the past two days as part of operations aimed at undermining Iranian capabilities threatening maritime security in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.