Israel alarmed over Washington’s move to scale back Iran pressure

Israel has expressed surprise and disappointment over a United States decision to ease military pressure on Iran in an effort to restore full maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The diplomatic sources said that public statements by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming full coordination with Washington do not reflect the actual state of relations between the two allies, Al-Monitor reports.

In reality, they added, tensions are growing, as the United States reportedly did not inform Israel in advance of its decision to reduce military pressure on Tehran.

Israeli officials had expected a more assertive US military posture toward Iran. However, amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, Israel is said to be increasingly concerned that Iran’s nuclear and missile programs could be deprioritized and that Israeli strategic interests may be sidelined.

Against this backdrop, Israel reportedly intends to continue pressing the United States to adopt a firmer stance and to support a comprehensive agreement with Iran that would extend beyond issues related solely to the Strait of Hormuz.

By Vafa Guliyeva