Israel’s military chief has ordered the armed forces to step up readiness for a possible escalation with Iran, according to Israeli media reports, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran falter.
Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, the Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff, has reportedly instructed units to shorten response times, tighten operational readiness and accelerate contingency planning amid growing uncertainty over regional security.
Israeli broadcaster Ynet said the military has moved into a heightened state of preparedness similar to that seen ahead of previous operations against Iranian targets, with updated strike planning and expanded intelligence work underway.
The IDF is also understood to be intensifying the development of its “target bank” relating to Iran, a long-standing database of military, nuclear and strategic infrastructure sites that could be struck in the event of a political decision to act.
Military officials cited in Israeli reports said the air force is refining long-range strike packages, designed to integrate fighter aircraft, refuelling assets and electronic warfare capabilities, while air and missile defence systems are being reinforced in anticipation of potential retaliation.
The preparations come amid renewed uncertainty following the breakdown of US–Iran negotiations held in Pakistan, which failed to produce an agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme or wider regional security arrangements.
US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, has said Tehran did not accept what he described as a “final and best offer”, adding that talks had reached an impasse.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, have accused Washington of making excessive demands and said they do not trust US intentions following years of tension and intermittent diplomacy.
The collapse of the talks has raised questions over whether a fragile informal ceasefire arrangement in the region can be sustained, with both sides warning of consequences if hostilities resume.
In Washington, President Donald Trump has stepped up rhetoric over the Strait of Hormuz, warning of action against vessels he accused of financing or enabling Iranian toll systems in the key shipping lane.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which around a fifth of global oil supplies pass, remains a central flashpoint in US–Iran tensions, with any disruption carrying significant implications for global energy markets.
Regional analysts said Israel’s reported shift in readiness reflects long-standing contingency planning rather than an immediate decision for war, but warned that simultaneous pressure across multiple fronts could increase the risk of miscalculation.
Israeli strikes in neighbouring Lebanon have also continued intermittently, underlining the broader volatility across the region as diplomatic efforts stall and military postures harden.
