Ex-Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman warns that Iran is focused on waging a war of revenge against Israel. The Iranians want to deliver the first blow, but Israel should strike first to thwart their plans, he told N12 News.
Tehran likely sees both strategic and symbolic value in striking back: restoring its national pride, affirming its regional status, and projecting renewed deterrence.
Earlier, Lieberman cautioned that the next war with Iran will erupt within 3 years at most, as Tehran works to rebuild its military and nuclear capabilities.
Defense Minister Yisrael Katz recently stated that Israel will strike Iran again if threatened, signaling willingness to resume attacks at short notice. Meanwhile, PM Netanyahu is urging the US to apply aggressive, ongoing pressure instead of relying solely on diplomacy.
While the Israel-Iran ceasefire has lasted for weeks without any incidents, concerns persist.
At the core of the tensions are Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium, exceeding 400 kilograms that could be turned into weapons-grade material. US and Israeli airstrikes severely damaged the Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear facilities, but intel reports suggest uranium remnants lie buried beneath the debris.
The IAEA cautions that accessing these reserves could enable Iran to advance toward building a nuclear bomb within months. Israel has made it clear that any effort by Tehran to recover the buried uranium would prompt fresh strikes.
However, the war’s impact on Iran’s military capabilities may postpone a renewed conflict for some time. With Iranian air defenses crippled and numerous military assets devastated, Tehran likely wishes to avoid another round of fighting for the time being.
Moreover, the Iranian regime is in a vulnerable position due to the collapse of its regional proxy network, coupled with worsening economic troubles at home.
In the bottom line, while active warfare is on hold, the ingredients for another round remain: Strategic mistrust, military capabilities on both sides, and very high stakes.
