Against Iran
ISLAMABAD: In a move that has sent shockwaves through internationaldiplomatic circles, former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett posted acryptic video on X with the caption “Tik, Tak. Tonight,” ignitingwidespread speculation about an impending military strike against Iran. The30-second countdown clip, shared with his over 668,000 followers, comesamid escalating tensions in the Middle East, where ongoing protests in Iranhave led to at least 19 deaths. Activists and analysts alike are debatingwhether this signals an Israeli or joint US-Israeli operation, especiallyas Iranian officials express concerns over potential attacks within thenext 48-72 hours.
The post’s timing aligns with heightened unrest in Iran, wheredemonstrations against economic hardships and currency devaluation havepersisted for nine days. According to reports from Iran International, theIranian foreign ministry has accused the United States and Israel ofmeddling in internal affairs, exacerbating the crisis. US President DonaldTrump’s recent statements warning Iran against suppressing protesters havefurther fueled fears, with Trump indicating possible military interventionif Tehran restarts its nuclear activities. Data from the Critical ThreatsProject shows Iranian officials threatening retaliatory strikes on USinterests if external forces intervene.
Historical context reveals a pattern of brinkmanship between Israel, theUS, and Iran. In June 2025, Israel launched a 12-day air campaign targetingIranian military and nuclear sites, followed by US strikes on keyfacilities like Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Reuters reported that theseoperations killed over 1,100 Iranians, including senior commanders andscientists, while Iranian counterattacks claimed 32 Israeli lives. Theassaults depleted Iran’s ballistic missile stockpiles by an estimated 1,000units, according to conflict monitoring group ACLED, setting the stage forcurrent rebuilding efforts that have alarmed Israeli intelligence.
Iranian leaders are grappling with domestic pressures, as the rial’s valueplummets amid sanctions. PBS NewsHour notes that Tehran has installedbanners warning of soldier casualties if the US or Israel acts militarily.Three Iranian insiders, speaking to Reuters in August 2025, highlighted theregime’s shift toward negotiations, but recent defiance suggests ahardening stance. Trump’s December 2025 meeting with Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu discussed potential “round 2” strikes, per Axios, ifIran advances its missile or nuclear programs, with US intelligenceassessing limited setbacks from prior attacks.
Speculation around Bennett’s post has drawn varied reactions on socialmedia, with some users praising it as a psychological tactic against Iran’sayatollahs, while others urge support for Netanyahu. The Christian ScienceMonitor reports that Iran’s depleted air defenses make a preemptive strikeunlikely from Tehran, but miscalculations could escalate conflicts. Israeliofficials, as per Haaretz, warn that Iran might launch regional strikes todivert attention from protests, potentially targeting US bases in theMiddle East.
Diplomatic efforts appear strained, with no immediate de-escalation insight. The Institute for the Study of War’s January 2, 2026, updateindicates Iranian threats to attack US interests if Washington intervenesin protests. Netanyahu’s discussions with Trump, focusing on Iran’sballistic missile rebuilding, underscore the risk of renewed confrontation.Analysts estimate that Iran’s nuclear program was set back by only months,per US intelligence, prompting calls from figures like Senator LindseyGraham for further strikes if enrichment resumes.
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As protests intensify, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council hasreiterated no concessions on missiles. Amwaj Media reported secretRussia-mediated messages between Iran and Israel aiming to avoid furtherclashes, yet Bennett’s post undermines such efforts. With over 1,100fatalities from the 2025 war still fresh, global leaders at the UN arecalling for restraint, emphasizing the need to prevent a broader regionalwar that could destabilize oil markets and refugee flows.
The international community watches closely, with fears that any strikecould ignite proxy conflicts involving militias in Iraq and Syria. Datafrom the UN nuclear watchdog indicates extensive damage to Iran’s uraniumenrichment sites in 2025, but reconstruction is underway. Bennett, now anopposition leader, has not clarified his post, leaving room for suspenseand strategic ambiguity that heightens tensions in an already volatileregion.
Source:https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/irans-leaders-struggle-end-protests-us-action-venezuela-stokes-fears-2026-01-05/
Tags: Naftali Bennett, Israel-Iran Conflict, US Military Strikes, IranianProtests
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