By Amir Daftari Newsweek
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.
Russia Deepens Ties with Iran
On the same day as the Israeli drill, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed legislation ratifying a 20-year strategic partnership agreement with Iran. According to RIA, Russia's state-run news agency, the agreement had initially been signed in January by Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Putin also discussed Iran's nuclear program with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said during his visit to Moscow, the Kremlin said, as Oman continues its mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.
Ambassador Delivers Warning
Meanwhile, Mike Huckabee, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Israel, has presented his diplomatic credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog. In their meeting, the two leaders asserted that Iran aims to destroy both Israel and the U.S. "It has always been their desire that Israel would be the opening act and then it would be America's turn to face destruction. Or to put in another simple way, Israel is the appetizer and the United States is the entrée." Huckabee said. The U.S. and Israel have long accused Tehran of seeking nuclear arms, an allegation Iran denies. Israel is believed to have nuclear weapons already.
What People Are Saying
Isaac Herzog, President of Israel warned: Tehran "continues to pursue its radical vision of regional dominance and destabilization - on its own and via its proxies - whilst pursuing nuclear arms and openly calling for the destruction of Israel."
Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel stated: "It has always been their desire that Israel would be the opening act and then it would be America's turn to face destruction. Or to put in another simple way, Israel is the appetizer and the United States is the entrée."
Vladimir Putin, President of Russia said: "This truly breakthrough document is aimed at creating the necessary conditions for the stable and sustainable development of Russia and Iran, and our entire common Eurasian region,"
What Happens Next
With U.S.-Iran nuclear talks set to resume on Saturday, both Israel and its allies are likely to maintain heightened military alertness as diplomatic efforts continue behind closed doors.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2025 at 6:19 AM.
