Charlie Bradley, James Knuckey – Daily Express Nov 12, 2026
The American military has reportedly warned Israel to prepare for a resumption of the war in Iran. The reports come just days after Donald Trump said renewed attacks on Iran were “highly unlikely”.
Local reports in Israel claim US Central Command has told Israel Defence Forces (IDF) personnel in the US to get ready for the possibility of renewed fighting. Itay Blumental, military correspondent for broadcaster Kan 11, quoted a source as saying: “The messages being conveyed through the security channel to Israel-and also to Gulf states-are that they should prepare for the possibility of renewed war in Iran soon.”
The communications happened in recent days, it is claimed. The reports are in stark contrast to messaging from the White House.
On Monday, Mr Trump told reporters that “Iran militarily is effectively over”. The US President added there is “positive momentum” behind talks aimed at ending the war which he admitted was the key reason for the Republicans‘ disastrous midterm election results last week.
“We’re just keeping it the status quo,” he said. “And we’re doing that really at the behest of countries that are their neighbours.”
Despite saying he didn’t expect any new strikes on Iran, Mr Trump said American forces were “locked and loaded” should anything change. A third US aircraft carrier is currently heading towards the Middle East.
Experts have suggested the pending arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt could signal a new surge in military action against Iran. Mr Trump previously threatened to resume strikes on Iran following the midterm elections, however his comments earlier this week seemingly suggested he had moved away from this plan.
Following the bruising midterms, Mr Trump has hinted at de-escalation in the conflict. The President’s Republican Party lost both chambers of Congress to the Democrats in the midterms.
The results showed dissatisfaction among the American public over the 8-month war which has led to surge in fuel prices that has been felt across the globe. During the conflict, Mr Trump has repeatedly said he is on the cusp of ordering American forces to escalate attacks if Iran’s leaders don’t quickly agree to US terms to end the war, only to back down.
On Monday, he also met the prime minister of Qatar – a key US ally in the region which has been playing a central mediator role in efforts to stop the war. The conflict began in February after the US and Israel launched joint strikes across Iran.
Tehran retaliated, firing attacks across the region and imposing a chokehold over the Strait of Hormuz – a key waterway for global trade. Mr Trump claimed Iran has been “decapitated” by the war, but that he is still seeking a long-term solution to ensuring Iran’s nuclear programme poses no threat.