Media: Israel pushes for Iran conflict restart as US signals caution

The United States is reportedly stepping back from threats to resume bombing Iran if Tehran does not agree to a peace deal, even as elements within Israel’s political establishment continue to push for a renewed military confrontation, Al Jazeera reports.

According to the report, Shimon Riklin, an anchor for the right-wing Israeli Channel 14, inadvertently disclosed what appeared to be confidential discussions about a potential renewed strike on Tehran, including the alleged location of a uranium storage facility that he claimed could be targeted.

Members of the Israeli parliament strongly criticized Riklin’s remarks, prompting the broadcaster to later clarify that his comments were purely hypothetical.

Despite growing consensus that Israel is eager to restart hostilities, analysts note that any such move would likely require US approval — support that does not appear forthcoming in the near term.

Reports of a recent overnight call between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump over Washington’s push for a truce — despite Israeli objections — reportedly left the Israeli leader with his “hair on fire.”

Israeli media further reported this week that Netanyahu chaired a second meeting of the security cabinet to discuss the possibility of renewing the conflict with Iran.

However, despite the extensive use of Israeli and U.S. ordnance against Iran, the government in Tehran remains firmly in place.

Iran’s deterrence strategy, including strikes on regional states and the reported disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, has also dampened Washington’s appetite for another costly and potentially protracted war with Tehran.

By Vafa Guliyeva