Israel Declares Readiness to Resume Military Operations Against Iran as Ceasefire Teeters
Defense Minister Katz warns “our mission is not over” as Israeli officials push for return to conflict, citing unfinished campaign goals; Iran threatens 90% uranium enrichment in response
JERUSALEM / TEHRAN — Israel has declared its readiness to resume military operations against Iran, with senior officials warning that the ceasefire achieved through Pakistani mediation in April may be short-lived. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Thursday that the country “may soon be required to act again” to ensure Iran does not become a future threat to Israel’s existence .
The declaration comes as the fragile truce — brokered on April 8 and later extended without a set deadline — shows increasing signs of strain. Talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement, and US President Donald Trump recently described the ceasefire as being “on massive life support” after rejecting Iran’s formal demands for ending the war .
“Our Mission Is Not Over”: Katz’s Warning
Speaking at a memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers, Defense Minister Israel Katz delivered what amounted to a formal warning that Israel is prepared to return to combat.
“Our mission is not over,” Katz declared. “We must complete the goals of the campaign in a way that ensures Iran will not again become a threat to the existence of Israel, to US forces … for generations to come” .
“We are prepared for the possibility that we will soon be required to act again to ensure these goals are achieved,” Katz added .
The defense minister’s remarks were not an isolated statement. According to a report by Israeli public broadcaster KAN, senior Israeli military officials and representatives from US Central Command (CENTCOM) held talks during the past week on possible scenarios for renewed military action against Iran .
Netanyahu: The War “Is Not Over Yet”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reinforced Katz’s position. In a May 10 interview with CBS News, Netanyahu stated bluntly that the war with Iran “is not over yet” despite what he described as major Israeli gains .
“There is still work to be done,” Netanyahu said, specifically mentioning the need to remove enriched uranium and dismantle Iranian enrichment facilities .
Netanyahu also accused Tehran of continuing to support regional armed groups and pursuing ballistic missile production. He suggested that the collapse of the Iranian government was “possible but not guaranteed” — a scenario he argued could signal the end of Iran-aligned groups including Hezbollah, Hamas, and possibly the Houthis .
The US-Israel Coordination: Discussing Options
According to KAN’s report, Israel has conveyed a clear message to Washington expressing interest in resuming military action, arguing that the war with Iran had ended “earlier than it should have” .
The discussions between Israeli military officials and CENTCOM representatives reportedly covered several potential scenarios :
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| Limited US Strikes | Targeted attacks on Iranian fuel and energy facilities to pressure Tehran into negotiations |
| Blockade Intensification | Tightening the maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz under “Project Freedom” |
| Full Resumption | Return to大规模 military operations against Iranian targets |
Israeli officials cited by KAN said US President Donald Trump faces two main options: resuming military action — a path reportedly supported by Netanyahu — or tightening the maritime blockade .
Iran’s Response: The 90% Uranium Enrichment Threat
Tehran has responded to Israeli rhetoric with its own warnings. Iranian parliamentary spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei, speaking for the parliament’s Foreign Policy and National Security Committee, warned on Tuesday that one of Iran’s responses to a renewed offensive could be uranium enrichment up to 90 percent — the threshold considered weapons-grade material .
“We will review it in the parliament,” Rezaei said in a post on X .
Ninety percent enrichment would represent a significant escalation from Iran’s current enrichment levels and would bring Tehran to the brink of nuclear weapons capability. Such a move would likely trigger an immediate international crisis and almost certainly prompt a military response from both Israel and the United States.
Rezaei’s warning came as he responded to a renewed US proposal for ending the war — a proposal that Trump has already rejected as “totally unacceptable” .
The Iran War: Background and Current Status
The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iranian territory. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel and US allies in the Gulf, while also announcing the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to normal commercial shipping .
Key events since the war began:
- February 28: US-Israel strikes launched
- March: Iran targets US bases in the region and closes Strait of Hormuz
- April 8: Ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation takes effect
- April-May: Talks in Islamabad fail to produce lasting agreement
- May 10: Netanyahu declares war “not over yet”
- May 14: Katz announces readiness to resume operations
The April 8 ceasefire was brokered through Pakistani mediation, with both sides agreeing to halt major hostilities. However, the underlying issues remain unresolved . Talks held in Islamabad subsequently failed to produce a permanent agreement, and the truce was later extended by Trump without a set deadline .
The Situation in the Strait of Hormuz
Central to the current tensions is the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway through which approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes. Iran has effectively blocked the strait to normal commercial transit since the war began.
According to KAN’s report, one of the options being discussed between Israel and the US involves tightening the maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz as part of what is called “Project Freedom” .
The continued closure of the strait has sent global energy prices soaring and disrupted international supply chains, prompting many nations, including India, to introduce emergency measures to protect their economies.
Broader Regional Context: Multiple Fronts
Israel’s warning regarding Iran comes amid ongoing tensions on other fronts. On the same day Katz made his statement, an explosive drone launched from Lebanon struck northern Israel, wounding three people. Katz responded by stating that “Hezbollah will pay the full price” .
Despite a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, Israel has continued to carry out strikes, while Hezbollah has responded with attacks using drones and rockets. Israeli and Lebanese officials began a third round of peace talks in Washington on Thursday, though it remains unclear whether progress is being made .
The UAE Dimension: Israel’s “Brothers-in-Arms”
The potential resumption of hostilities also implicates other regional actors. According to reports, the UAE has become a key partner in Israel’s military posture against Iran. An opinion piece in The Jerusalem Post described Israel and the UAE as “brothers-in-arms” in a growing security partnership .
According to the report, at the request of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed in a direct conversation with Netanyahu, Israel quietly deployed an Iron Dome battery plus IDF personnel to the UAE early in the war. Israeli crews have since intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles and drones aimed at UAE targets .
This cooperation represents a significant development in the Abraham Accords framework and suggests that any renewed conflict with Iran would likely involve coordinated Gulf-Israeli military action.
What a Renewed War Would Look Like
Based on current reports and official statements, a renewed Israeli offensive against Iran could include several elements :
Potential Military Actions
- Continued airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, missile production sites, and military command centers
- Potential ground intervention — Netanyahu has previously hinted at the possibility of introducing a “ground element” into military operations
- Tightened naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure Tehran economically
- Coordinated strikes with Gulf partners, particularly the UAE
Expected Iranian Responses
- 90% uranium enrichment — moving to weapons-grade material
- Renewed missile attacks on Israeli territory
- Continued targeting of US allies in the Gulf
- Maintained closure of the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping
The Diplomatic Stalemate
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, the gap between the two sides remains unbridgeable. On Sunday, Iran sent Pakistan its formal response to a US proposal for ending the war. Trump dismissed the response as “totally unacceptable” .
According to reports, the US and Iran are reportedly working toward a one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding that would set parameters for a month of talks. However, key issues remain unresolved, and the political will on both sides appears to be waning .
Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, has repeatedly warned the Security Council about what he describes as Israel’s “culture of impunity” and called for accountability for what Iran characterizes as war crimes . However, no action has been taken by the Security Council, which remains paralyzed by divisions among its permanent members.
Global Implications
A resumption of full-scale hostilities between Israel and Iran would have immediate and severe global consequences:
- Energy Prices: The Strait of Hormuz would remain closed, keeping oil and LNG prices at elevated levels
- Global Trade: Shipping through the Persian Gulf would continue to be disrupted, affecting supply chains worldwide
- Regional War: A renewed conflict could draw in additional actors, including Hezbollah, Houthi forces in Yemen, and potentially US forces
- Nuclear Proliferation: Iran’s threat to enrich uranium to 90 percent raises the specter of a nuclear-armed Iran — a scenario that could trigger a regional arms race
What to Watch in the Coming Days
Several key developments will determine whether the current rhetoric translates into renewed military action:
- US Decision: Trump’s choice between backing renewed military action or pursuing intensified blockade measures will be critical
- Iran’s Nuclear Moves: Any Iranian steps toward 90 percent enrichment would almost certainly trigger an Israeli response
- Ceasefire Collapse: An explicit breakdown of the April 8 ceasefire would remove the remaining diplomatic barrier to renewed hostilities
- Hezbollah Escalation: Any major Hezbollah attack on Israel could create a second front and change the strategic calculus
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What did Israel say about resuming military operations against Iran?
A: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on May 14 that Israel “may soon be required to act again” against Iran, declaring that “our mission is not over.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also said the war “is not over yet” and that “there is still work to be done” .
Q2: Why does Israel want to resume operations against Iran?
A: Israeli officials argue that the war with Iran ended “earlier than it should have” and that the campaign’s goals — including ensuring Iran cannot threaten Israel’s existence — have not been fully achieved. Specific objectives include removing enriched uranium and dismantling Iranian enrichment facilities .
Q3: What has Iran said in response to Israel’s threats?
A: Iran has warned that one of its responses to a renewed offensive could be uranium enrichment up to 90 percent — the threshold for weapons-grade material. Iranian parliamentary spokesman Ebrahim Rezaei said “we will review it in the parliament” .
Q4: Is the current ceasefire still in effect?
A: A ceasefire brokered through Pakistani mediation took effect on April 8 and was later extended without a set deadline. However, talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting agreement, and US President Donald Trump has described the ceasefire as being “on massive life support” after rejecting Iran’s formal demands .
Q5: What options are being discussed between Israel and the US?
A: According to Israeli public broadcaster KAN, discussions between Israeli military officials and US Central Command have covered possible limited US strikes on Iranian fuel and energy facilities, tightening the maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and a full resumption of military action .
Q6: When did the Iran war begin?
A: The United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel and US allies in the Gulf, and announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz to normal commercial shipping .
Q7: What is the significance of 90% uranium enrichment?
A: Ninety percent enrichment is considered weapons-grade uranium — the level required to produce a nuclear weapon. Iran’s current enrichment levels are significantly lower, and a move to 90% would bring Tehran to the brink of nuclear weapons capability, almost certainly triggering an international crisis .
Q8: How has the UAE been involved in the conflict?
A: According to reports, the UAE has become a key security partner for Israel against Iran. At the request of UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed, Israel deployed an Iron Dome battery and IDF personnel to the UAE early in the war. Israeli crews have intercepted dozens of Iranian missiles and drones aimed at Emirati targets .
Q9: Is the United States preparing to rejoin the conflict?
A: Reports indicate that US Central Command officials have held talks with their Israeli counterparts about possible scenarios for renewed action. However, it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will support a full resumption of military operations or pursue alternative options such as tightening the blockade .
Q10: What would happen to the Strait of Hormuz if fighting resumes?
A: Iran has maintained the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the war began in February. In the event of renewed hostilities, the strait would likely remain closed to normal commercial shipping, continuing to disrupt global energy markets and supply chains .
This is a developing story. Reflecto News will continue to provide updates on the situation as new information becomes available from official Israeli, Iranian, and US sources, as well as any developments regarding the potential resumption of military operations.