Episode Details

HEADLINES
US readies weeks-long Iran campaign
Trump flags Iran regime change as best
Four-week Iran talks deadline looms

The time is now 8:01 PM in New York, I'm Noa Levi and this is the latest Israel Today: Ongoing War Report.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, the US military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if President Donald Trump orders an attack, two US officials told Reuters. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the planning, and the report notes the move would heighten stakes for diplomacy as US and Iranian negotiators had discussions in Oman last week over Tehran's nuclear program. The Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier and thousands more troops, along with fighter aircraft, guided-missile destroyers and other firepower to conduct and defend potential operations. President Trump, addressing troops at a base in North Carolina, said it has "been difficult to make a deal" with Iran, adding that "Sometimes you have to have fear. That's the only thing that really will get the situation taken care of." Diplomatic channels remain active, with talks in Oman reported as an effort to revive discussions over Tehran's nuclear program.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, Regime change in Iran 'best thing that could happen', Trump says. President Trump told reporters that regime change in Iran "seems like that would be the best thing that could happen," as Washington maintains talks with Tehran while increasing its regional military presence. He said Iran would need to "give us the right deal," noting that while Iran has shown willingness to talk, they have not historically provided the right deals. The report notes that the USS Gerald R. Ford was instructed to set course for the Persian Gulf to bolster forces in the region, with the USS Lincoln already in the area, and that if a deal were reached the voyage could be cut short and the carrier would depart soon. Trump reiterated he has a deadline for Iran, though he did not specify it, and said that if talks fail, a second aircraft carrier could become necessary.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, One-month deadline? Trump weighs military options as new threat looms over Iran. Trump set a next-month deadline for Iran talks as the USS Gerald R. Ford heads to the region, due in four weeks; he warned it will be a "very bad day for Iran" if talks fail, and said options include strikes on nuclear and missile sites, as Tehran marks 40 days of mourning.

In the conflict with Iran and its Regional Proxies, US readying for potential weeks-long military campaign against Iran, sources tell Reuters. A Times of Israel live blog notes two diplomatic tracks in Geneva and says a US delegation will meet Iranian officials, with later trilateral talks with Russia and Ukraine planned. The piece reiterates that the US military is preparing for the possibility of sustained, weeks-long operations against Iran if Trump orders an attack, raising the stakes for diplomacy. White House officials say President Trump has all options on the table with regard to Iran.

Thank you for tuning in to this Israel Today: Ongoing War Report update.
I'm Noa Levi. Stay safe and informed.
Keep in mind that this AI-generated report may contain occasional inaccuracies, so consult multiple sources for a comprehensive view. Find the code and more details in the podcast description.

SOURCES
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886588
https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-886586
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/bjaar4pd11g