Israel Warns the US That Iran May Be Preparing for Strikes: Axios

Israel is warning of potential Iranian actions under the guise of military exercises, urging the US and its own forces to coordinate their defenses, Axios reports.

According to Axios, Tel Aviv has informed the US administration about the possible threat of an Iranian strike that could be disguised as an exercise. While intelligence only registers troop movements within the country, the Israel Defense Forces have reduced their tolerance for risk following the attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.

One source noted, "The probability of an Iranian attack is less than 50%, but no one is willing to risk it by simply saying it’s just an exercise." US intelligence currently sees no signs of an imminent attack.

The Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has established contact with the head of US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, warning of the possibility of IRGC missile exercises and a surprise attack. Zamir has called for close coordination of defensive operations. Cooper participated in a meeting with senior Israel Defense Forces officials in Tel Aviv.

Axios sources emphasized that the greatest threat is miscalculation, which could lead both sides to mistakenly believe that the other is preparing to attack and act preemptively.

Israeli intelligence is tracking a new buildup of Iran's ballistic missile capabilities. Following a 12-day conflict in June, the country reduced its arsenal from 3,000 to 1,500 missiles and from 400 to 200 launchers. Currently, measures are being taken to restore forces, but they have not yet returned to pre-war levels.

Israeli intelligence and Mossad believe that military actions are unnecessary in the next two to three months, but the issue may become relevant later. The Israeli Prime Minister is expected to discuss the situation with the US President at the end of December 2025.