Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Jan 25: Israel is preparing for the possibility of an Iranian retaliation amid expectations that the United States may eventually launch a military strike against Iran, even as US President Donald Trump is yet to take a final call on the matter, Israeli media reported on Sunday.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, US military forces require several more days to complete their deployment, with Washington’s military buildup in the Middle East now at its largest scale in nearly eight months. The reinforcements include the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, guided-missile destroyers and cruisers, fighter squadrons, along with expanded air and missile defence systems across the region.
President Trump had earlier confirmed that a “massive fleet” was moving toward Iran following repeated warnings to Tehran over its alleged violent crackdown on nationwide protests that began in December 2025. While tensions have reportedly eased in recent days, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) had earlier estimated nearly 4,000 deaths and tens of thousands of arrests during the unrest. These figures, however, remain difficult to independently verify due to prolonged internet disruptions inside Iran.
Israel’s Home Front Command, the military unit tasked with monitoring regional escalations and civilian preparedness, has not issued any new public safety instructions. Officials said any changes would be announced if the “threat environment” were to shift.
Meanwhile, Iran has issued a strong warning, stating that any US strike—whether limited or large-scale—would be treated as an “all-out war” and met with a full response. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Mohammad Pakpour said Tehran has its “finger on the trigger,” signalling readiness for retaliation.
The situation continues to be closely monitored amid fears that any military action could trigger a wider regional conflict.