Israeli defense minister says war with Iran may resume ‘soon’

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Thursday that war with Iran may resume “soon.”

“It is possible that we will soon need to act again to ensure the objectives are achieved,” Katz said during a military event at the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv.

“Iran has suffered extremely harsh blows over the past year, blows that have set it back years in all areas,” he added in his statements carried by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper.

The Israeli threats about a possible resumption of attacks against Iran are seen by observers as part of efforts to push Washington toward renewed military action.

Last week, Katz said Israel was waiting for a “green light” from the US to resume war against Iran.

According to Axios, US Central Command (CENTCOM) has prepared plans that could include strikes on Iranian infrastructure, as well as broader options such as increased naval pressure in the Strait of Hormuz.

The proposals are reportedly aimed at forcing Iran back to negotiations with greater flexibility, particularly on the nuclear issue.

The US and Israel began strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, prompting retaliation from Tehran against US allies in the Gulf and closing the Strait of Hormuz.​​​​​​​

A ceasefire was announced on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, followed by talks in Islamabad on April 11, but an agreement could not be reached. US President Donald Trump later unilaterally extended the truce without any new time frame, at Pakistan’s request.

*Writing by Rania Abushamala in Istanbul