Targets marked: Israel signals major Iran strike, awaits US green light

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz on Thursday issued a stark warning to Iran, saying Israel is prepared “to return Iran to the dark ages” as tensions in the region continue to escalate.

Speaking during a security assessment at the Defence Ministry, Katz said the Israeli military was ready to resume full-scale operations. “Israel is prepared to renew the war against Iran. The IDF is ready in defense and offense, and the targets are marked,” he said.

Katz added that Israel is awaiting a green light from the United States before launching a renewed offensive. The objective, he said, would be to complete the elimination of the Khamenei dynasty and to return Iran to the dark ages.

He warned that any future attack would be far more severe than previous strikes. “This time the attack will be different and deadly it will add devastating blows in the most painful places,” Katz said, pointing to plans to target energy infrastructure and what he described as the foundations of Iran’s economy.

The remarks come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene top security officials to review the situation involving Iran and neighbouring Lebanon, according to an Israeli source.

The sharp rhetoric reflects a broader escalation between Iran, Israel and the United States. Washington has recently seized vessels it says were carrying Iranian oil, while Iran has effectively restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

TRUMP CLAIMS IRAN ‘DIVIDED’, REPEATS HORMUZ CONTROL LINE

US President Donald Trump has added to the rising rhetoric, claiming Iran is internally fractured and struggling to identify clear leadership.

“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He pointed to a split between factions. “The infighting is between the ‘Hardliners,’ who have been losing BADLY on the battlefield, and the ‘Moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is CRAZY!”

The remarks come as Washington has extended its ceasefire with Iran indefinitely, citing internal divisions slowing down negotiations.

Trump also repeated his claim that the US has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as “sealed up tight” until Iran agrees to a deal.

IRAN SHOWS MUSCLE IN STRAIT, SEIZES SHIPS

On the ground — or rather, at sea — Iran is projecting control.

State television aired footage of commandos boarding a cargo vessel, MSC Francesca. Masked troops were seen approaching in speedboats, climbing aboard and entering with rifles. Another vessel, Epaminondas, was also seized.

Iran says both ships tried to pass through the Strait without permission.

The waterway, which carries about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas, remains heavily restricted. Shipping traffic has slowed sharply.

Tehran has made it clear it will not reopen the route unless the US lifts its blockade — something it calls a breach of the ceasefire.

BLOCKADE TIGHTENS, BOTH SIDES PUSH LIMITS

The maritime standoff is getting sharper.

The US says it has boarded another tanker, Majestic, in the Indian Ocean. Officials add that at least 33 vessels have been redirected since the blockade began.

Iran insists its actions are legal. Its judiciary chief said seized ships had “faced the law,” while officials signalled that speedboats and drones remain deployed to counter US naval presence.

In a new move, a senior Iranian lawmaker said Tehran has started collecting tolls from ships using the Strait — though details remain unclear.

CEASEFIRE HOLDS, BUT EDGE OF ESCALATION CLEAR

The war, launched earlier this year by the US and Israel, has been paused since April under a fragile ceasefire.

But the signals are hardening.

Israel says it is ready to strike again. The US is tightening pressure at sea. Iran is pushing back.

The fight may be paused. The confrontation is not.

- Ends

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