WhatsappIsrael was placed on maximum alert overnight amid preparations for a possible U.S. strike on Iran. The Israeli Air Force was activated as defense officials prepared for rapid escalation scenarios. According to Israeli reports, the strike was called off at the last moment—but not abandoned.
Channel 14 reported that Donald Trump has already decided a strike will take place, even if delayed by several days. That assessment matches the prevailing view inside Israel’s security establishment: Washington is managing timing and conditions, not reconsidering intent.
Publicly, the messaging has been mixed. Fox News reported that an Iranian protester facing execution will no longer receive the death penalty following Trump’s warnings, with additional cases reportedly under review. Trump welcomed the development, calling it “good news.” On the surface, the tone sounded conciliatory. Strategically, it appeared calculated—pressure without release.
Behind the scenes, regional actors moved quickly to constrain U.S. options. Channel 14 reported that Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia warned the White House they would not allow their airspace to be used for a strike on Iran. The result: a narrowed operational corridor, but not a closed one.
Despite the diplomatic noise, assessments remain blunt. Channel 12 reported that most American evaluations still point toward Trump wanting to launch a military strike against Iran.
The clearest signal, however, is economic. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian elites are already moving capital out of the country. “We are seeing the rats flee the sinking ship,” he said, describing tens of millions of dollars being smuggled abroad.
Regimes don’t move money unless they fear losing power. Iran is acting like time is running out. Israel is preparing accordingly.
