Israel and Iran: Two Strikes Were "Close at Hand"

Former Israeli Military Intelligence Chief Tamir Hayman stated on Monday that Israel nearly launched attacks on Iran twice in recent weeks due to "miscalculations." Hayman explained that Iran’s preparations for a potential strike created an "inevitable coordination" between Israel and the United States. He noted that U.S. actions against Iran are already underway, ranging from disinformation and cyberattacks to special operations or even open war, depending on developments.

Leadership Scenarios and Economic Pressure: Hayman remarked that while Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains in power, a full-scale Iranian strike on Israel is unlikely due to his traditionally cautious style. However, the rise of a bolder leader backed by the Revolutionary Guard could change the strategic calculus. Regarding internal unrest, Hayman suggested that since economic relief failed and crackdowns were ineffective, negotiations might be the regime's only option to lift sanctions, potentially involving significant concessions on uranium enrichment.

Diplomatic Channels: On Monday, Iran confirmed that communication lines with Washington remain open through the Swiss embassy and the U.S. special envoy. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei addressed questions about Trump's claims of Iran seeking talks, noting that while "conflicting messages" have caused ambiguity, Tehran remains committed to diplomacy.