Israel, US intensify military coordination amid fears Iran talks may fail

Israel and the US are preparing for the possibility that ongoing negotiations with Iran may fail, intensifying military cooperation in recent days, Israeli media reported Sunday. Channel 12 reported that the US has been reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East to enhance deterrence or lay the groundwork for potential future military operations. High-level contacts between Israeli and US officials have increased, the report said, aimed at strengthening military coordination in case negotiations do not yield an agreement.

Military buildup

The US military buildup in the region is being interpreted in Israel as either an attempt to create a "victory image" against Iran or preparation for a series of planned military operations that could reshape the regional balance of power, according to the report. The US has deployed elite units including the 82nd Airborne Division, Delta Force, and the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment to the region, with the New York Times reporting that up to 3,000 troops could be used to seize Iran's Kharg Island.

US-Israel disagreements

It also claimed disagreements exist between the US and Israel over potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure, with Israel supporting such action while Washington is opposed. Senior Israeli officials were cited as saying there is a divergence between Tel Aviv and Washington regarding the nature of potential attacks.

Iran's stance

Iran, meanwhile, questions US sincerity in the negotiations and does not trust Washington, the report added, saying Tehran has not yet responded to US demands for this reason. It also claimed Iran is seeking to involve Gulf countries as well as Russia and China in the process. Tehran has previously rejected a 15-point US ceasefire proposal as "excessive" and laid out its own conditions including war reparations.

Conflict context

Regional escalation has continued since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.