The fragile balance often dominating ceasefires is seemingly reaching a critical crossroads in the Middle East, as Washington-Tehran talks are at an impasse and President Trump, asked whether he is concerned about a possible collapse offered an enigmatic, slightly incomprehensible response that further fuels the embers.
‘No one knows what exactly is being discussed, other than him and a small circle of associates’.
According to Israeli and US media, the two countries are once again raising military readiness, with the next few days considered as significant on the road to de-escalation or a new phase of the conflict, unpredictable in nature and force.
Jittery energy markets are watching, with oil prices dropping to 114 dollars.
Iran has yet to present its proposal in backstage negotiations resulting in military scenarios making a grim comeback.
Israel raising readiness
Israeli commanders have put forces on a heightened state of alert as the country evaluates conditions on a day to day basis at both political and military levels.
The Netanyahu government expressed concern that Washington-Tehran negotiations are on the verge of collapse over the next few days.
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz warned that despite supporting American diplomatic efforts, his country might need to ‘unilaterally act again’ in order to eliminate existential threats.
Katz said that Iran has taken major blows over the last year, but remains a menace as its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes have yet to be totally destroyed.
US Military Scenarios and ground forces action
The CENTCOM head, admiral Brad Cooper briefed Donald Trump at the White House on updated military action options, including targeted strikes on Iranian energy and government infrastructures, raising naval presence at the Persian Gulf and launching operations to secure control of strategic Hormuz Strait areas.
Ground forces action to restore free shipping has not been ruled out, with CENTCOM allegedly seeking the deployment of the Dark Eagle supersonic missile in the Middle East.
If approved, it will be the first time this technology is deployed by the US.
The need for more advanced weapons systems appears to have emerged following the realignment of Iranian missile launching pads beyond the range of existing US systems.
Iran responds with threats and military readiness
Iranian President Masoud Pezeskian described the US naval blockade as unacceptable and essentially a continuation of military operations, in violation of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the head of the Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Forces Majid Mousavi warned that even limited US strikes will result in ‘painful and protracted retaliation’.
According to an NBC report, Iran is utilising the ceasefire period to regroup, intensifying efforts to recover missiles or systems that had been hidden away or partially destroyed by previous attacks.
It is believed that despite significant losses, Tehran maintains a significant part of its arsenal, including ballistic missile reserves and part of its airforce.