Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Israel is preparing for the possibility of renewed war with Iran, even as Washington intensifies diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a deal with Tehran.
In a video statement, Netanyahu stressed that while contacts between the United States and Iran are ongoing, Israel remains on high alert for any escalation. “It is too early to say how this will end, or even how it will progress. In light of the possibility that the war may resume, we are prepared for any scenario,” he said.
The Israeli leader underscored that Washington is keeping Israel informed about its negotiations with Tehran, insisting that both countries share the same strategic objectives. These include removing Iran’s enriched nuclear material, dismantling its domestic enrichment capabilities, and reopening vital maritime routes disrupted by the conflict.
“We want to see Iran’s enriched material removed, and we want to see the elimination of its enrichment capability inside Iran. And of course, we want to see the reopening of the straits,” Netanyahu added, referring to the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil shipments that has been severely affected since the outbreak of hostilities.
Netanyahu’s remarks come as the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump signals cautious optimism about diplomacy. U.S. officials indicated that a second round of talks with Iran is likely, potentially to be held in Islamabad, following initial discussions led by Vice President JD Vance.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said further negotiations are “very likely,” adding that the administration “feels good about the prospects of a deal.” U.S. officials have reportedly proposed what Vance described as a “grand bargain” to end the six-week conflict and address longstanding disputes over Iran’s nuclear program.
Despite this diplomatic momentum, tensions remain high. The blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran’s threats to disrupt maritime traffic continue to strain a fragile ceasefire, even as regional officials cited by Associated Press pointed to a preliminary understanding between Washington and Tehran to extend the truce to allow more time for negotiations.
Netanyahu’s stance highlights a dual-track approach: while diplomacy advances, Israel is preparing for a potential breakdown that could reignite a broader regional confrontation.
Beyond the immediate security implications, the crisis is already affecting the global economy. Kristalina Georgieva, head of the International Monetary Fund, warned of “tough times ahead” if the conflict persists and oil prices remain high, raising concerns about inflation spilling over into food markets.
Still, financial markets reacted positively to signs of diplomatic progress, with major Wall Street indices closing at record highs on Wednesday, while crude oil prices declined amid hopes of de-escalation.
For now, Netanyahu’s message is clear: Israel is not relying solely on diplomacy and is preparing for the possibility that the war could resume.
