Media: Israel warns it may act unilaterally over Iran missile developments

Israeli defence officials have recently warned their US counterparts that Iran’s ballistic missile programme poses what they describe as an existential threat to Israel, according to security sources familiar with the discussions.

The sources told The Jerusalem Post that Israeli officials conveyed in recent weeks that Israel is prepared to act unilaterally if it determines that Iran has crossed specific red lines related to missile development. These messages were delivered through a series of high-level exchanges between Israeli and US officials.

According to the sources, Israeli military officials outlined operational concepts aimed at degrading Iran’s missile capabilities, including potential strikes on key manufacturing and production facilities.

“We told the Americans we will strike alone if Iran crosses the red line we set on ballistic missiles,” one source said, adding that Israel does not currently believe that threshold has been reached but is closely monitoring developments inside Iran.

Israeli officials emphasised that Israel intends to preserve its freedom of action and will not allow Iran to rebuild strategic weapons systems at a level they say would threaten Israel’s existence.

One defence official described the current period as a “historic opportunity” to significantly damage Iran’s missile infrastructure and reduce what Israel views as active threats to itself and to neighbouring countries.

During the discussions, Israeli officials also presented plans targeting additional facilities linked to Iran’s missile programme, the official said.

Several officials expressed concern that US President Donald Trump could opt for a limited military response, similar to recent US operations against Houthi targets in Yemen. They warned that such an approach could leave key Iranian capabilities intact.

“The worry is he might choose a few targets, declare success, and leave Israel to deal with the fallout, just like with the Houthis,” another military official said, arguing that limited action would not address the core threat.

By Sabina Mammadli