Israel Prepares for Iran Missile Strike

NEWSWEEK-April23rd2025

The Israeli Air Force has carried out a military exercise simulating an Iranian missile strike on key defense infrastructure, Israeli media reported.

The drills comes amid heightened tensions over nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the military exercise aimed to assess and improve operational readiness should talks collapse.

Newsweek has reached out to the State Department as well as Iran and Israel’s foreign ministries for comment.

Why It Matters

The drill reported by public broadcaster Kan and private publisher ynet underscores Israel’s intensifying concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its military alliances

With the prospect of diplomacy faltering, Israeli forces are preparing for the potential consequences, including any Iranian response to a possible Israeli attack on Iran.

Meanwhile, Iran’s expanding strategic partnerships, particularly with Russia, further complicate the regional power balance, drawing global powers deeper into Middle Eastern tensions.

What to Know

The Israeli military confirmed a recent simulation focused on missile attacks targeting installations previously hit during Iranian offensives in April and October 2024. These bases are considered critical for Israel’s rapid response capabilities and national defense.

The maneuver followed reports that a joint Israeli-American strike on Iran had been postponed due to intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, in an effort to keep diplomatic channels open with Tehran. Israeli officials were reportedly surprised by a New York Times report last week that exposed the previously undisclosed plan.

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https://www.newsweek.com/israel-prepares-iran-missile-strike-us-talks-nuclear-2062921