ISLAMABAD: Israel has formally requested operational freedom of action fromthe United States to enable potential unilateral military strikes againstIran, according to reports from Israel’s public broadcaster Kan News. Thisdemand emerges as high-level discussions between Israeli and Americanofficials intensify, amid fears that ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiationsmay fail to address Tehran’s ballistic missile program and support forregional proxies. The request underscores Israel’s determination tomaintain strategic autonomy in confronting what it views as existentialthreats from Iran, particularly following the June 2025 Israel-Iran warthat damaged but did not eliminate key Iranian capabilities.
The phrasing operational freedom of action refers to Israel’s push forassurances that the United States would not obstruct or interfere withindependent Israeli operations against Iranian targets if diplomacycollapses. Israeli officials have emphasized that any agreement with Iranmust extend beyond nuclear limits to include a complete halt on ballisticmissile production and cessation of funding for groups such as Hezbollahand other militias. This broader agenda reflects Israel’s assessment thatIran’s missile arsenal, partially reconstituted after last year’s conflict,poses an immediate danger even without full nuclear weaponization.
Recent diplomatic exchanges have highlighted tensions in the US-Israelalliance on this issue. During visits by Israeli military leaders toWashington and meetings involving US special envoy Steve Witkoff inJerusalem, Israel pressed for firm red lines in upcoming talks with Iranset for Istanbul. Reports indicate disagreements over whether negotiationsshould remain narrowly focused on nuclear enrichment or encompass missileand proxy issues, with Israel insisting on the latter to prevent futureescalations.
The context of this request traces back to the 12-day Israel-Iran war inJune 2025, which involved direct strikes on nuclear sites like Natanz andFordow, missile facilities, and senior Iranian commanders. Israel achievedsignificant degradation of Iranian air defenses and missile launchers, butassessments suggest Iran has rebuilt portions of its medium-range ballisticmissile stockpile to pre-war levels. Gulf states have warned Washingtonthat remaining Iranian short-range missiles could threaten US bases in theregion, complicating any military scenario.
Israel’s military posture remains elevated, with the Israel Defense Forcesconducting frequent operations against Iranian-backed targets inneighboring areas and maintaining readiness for surprise scenarios.Officials in Tel Aviv have expressed skepticism about Iran’s willingness tohonor commitments in revived nuclear diplomacy, citing past violations andTehran’s public vows to resist external pressure. Prime Minister BenjaminNetanyahu has reiterated that Tehran cannot be trusted, urging the US toprioritize decisive measures over concessions.
Iranian responses have been defiant, with senior commanders declaring thatIsrael would be the primary target in any retaliation against US or alliedactions. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has highlighted itscapabilities to strike regional US assets, including bases previouslytargeted in retaliation. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and otherofficials have warned of a broader regional war if attacked, whilesimultaneously signaling openness to limited nuclear concessions understrict conditions.
US President Donald Trump has pursued a dual track of military buildup inthe Middle East and diplomatic engagement, deploying additional navalassets while warning of severe consequences if talks fail. Reports suggestTrump remains reluctant to launch direct US strikes, preferring outcomesthat curb Iran’s programs without full-scale conflict. However, Israelipressure continues through intelligence sharing and high-level coordinationto prepare for contingencies.
The request for operational freedom aligns with Israel’s long-standingdoctrine of preemptive action against perceived nuclear threats, asdemonstrated in prior operations. Analysts note that without US diplomaticcover, intelligence support, or munitions resupply, Israel’s ability toconduct deep strikes into Iran would face significant logisticalchallenges. This dynamic has fueled debates in Washington about balancingalliance commitments with risks of wider escalation.
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Regional actors, including Gulf states, have expressed concerns overpotential fallout from any strike, urging restraint to avoid disruptions toenergy markets and stability. Egypt, Qatar, and others have reportedlylobbied against aggressive options, fearing Iranian reprisals on theirterritories. Iran’s diplomatic outreach to neighboring countries aims toisolate calls for military action and promote dialogue as the preferredpath.
As negotiations approach, the situation remains fluid, with both sides onhigh alert. Israel’s formal request signals a proactive stance to shapeoutcomes, ensuring it retains the initiative against evolving Iranianthreats. Failure in diplomacy could accelerate preparations for kineticaction, raising stakes across the Middle East.
Source:https://www.timesofisrael.com/
Benjamin Netanyahu
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