Path Cleared for Strike on Iran After Saudi Green Signal; U.S. and Israel Prepare Decisive Action

The likelihood of a U.S.-led military strike on Iran has increased sharply following what Western sources describe as a “green signal” from Saudi Arabia, with decision‑makers in Washington and Tel Aviv now moving beyond diplomacy toward military action. Reports suggest that preparations are in an advanced stage, with the only remaining question being the timing of the strike.

According to Iran International, citing Western officials, the United States and Israel have reached a broad consensus that military action against Iran is now “almost inevitable.” The sources indicate that discussions are no longer focused on negotiating a new agreement with Tehran but on how and when a military operation will be executed. Some signals from Washington point to Sunday as a possible window for action, though this has not been independently confirmed.

Saudi Support Alters Strategic Calculus

Saudi Arabia’s position is seen as a decisive factor in the evolving situation. During a private meeting at the White House, Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman reportedly told the Trump administration that failure to act now would allow Iran to grow stronger and more dangerous. Western sources said Riyadh considers a large‑scale strike against Iran not only justified but necessary.

With U.S. forces already deployed across the Middle East and the Gulf of Oman, analysts say Iran is effectively surrounded militarily. Saudi backing, even if conveyed privately, has significantly reduced regional resistance to a U.S.‑Israel operation.

Mixed Signals from Washington

U.S. President Donald Trump had said on Thursday that he was open to talks with Iran. However, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the U.S. military is fully prepared to carry out any order issued by the president. The Pentagon’s posture suggests that while diplomacy remains an option on paper, military readiness is now the dominant reality.

Iran Signals Conditional Willingness for Talks

Iran has responded by slightly softening its tone. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to reporters during a visit to Turkey, said Tehran is open to negotiations “on an equal and fair basis.” However, he stressed that talks cannot take place “under threats and pressure,” reiterating Iran’s long‑standing position against coercive diplomacy.

Scope of the Planned Operation

According to Iran International, the primary objective of the planned strike would be to severely weaken Iran’s governing structure and deliver a decisive blow to its military and security apparatus. Western officials described the proposed operation as “unprecedented in scale,” warning that it could be unlike anything Iran has previously experienced.

The sources said U.S. and Israeli officials believe the current situation represents a “once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity” to fundamentally alter Iran’s strategic capabilities. Unlike previous confrontations, the focus this time would extend beyond nuclear facilities to include broader elements of Iran’s power structure.

Israel on High Alert

Israel has placed its military on full alert ahead of any potential escalation. While U.S. forces are expected to initiate the operation, Israeli involvement will depend on battlefield conditions. Israeli officials have said they do not intend to start the conflict, but have made it clear that any Iranian missile launch toward Israeli territory would trigger a devastating response.

Israel’s air defense systems have already been activated, and senior officials have indicated that preparations are complete. “The decision has been made,” one official was quoted as saying. “The only remaining question is when.”