CBS News reported that Israel is fully prepared to launch a military operation against Iran, according to multiple U.S. sources.

This development comes amid heightened regional tensions, with the United States anticipating potential Iranian retaliation against American sites in neighboring Iraq.

The escalating situation has prompted the U.S. State Department to order non-emergency government officials to evacuate Iraq, citing concerns over the volatile environment in the Middle East.

The reported Israeli preparations follow months of strained relations between Israel and Iran, marked by a series of tit-for-tat military actions.

Iran, a long-standing adversary of Israel, has been accused by Western nations of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies, asserting its nuclear program is for civilian purposes.

However, Iran’s enrichment of uranium to 60% purity, which has no peaceful application, and its obstruction of international inspectors have fueled suspicions about its intentions.

In recent months, Israel has signaled its readiness to act decisively against Iran’s nuclear program.

Intelligence reports, as cited by CNN, indicate that Israel has been conducting military exercises and moving air munitions, suggesting an imminent strike may be in the works.

These preparations have raised alarms in Washington, where the Trump administration has been pursuing diplomatic negotiations with Iran to secure a nuclear deal.

An Israeli strike could jeopardize these efforts, potentially derailing talks aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

The U.S. has taken proactive measures in response to the looming threat of conflict. The State Department’s evacuation order for non-emergency personnel in Iraq reflects concerns that Iran could target American assets in retaliation for an Israeli operation.

The U.S. has also deployed additional military forces to the region, including F-16, F-15E, A-10, and F-22 fighter aircraft, as well as the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, to deter Iran and its allies, such as Hezbollah and Hamas, from escalating the conflict further.

President Donald Trump addressed the situation during an appearance at the Kennedy Center on June 11, 2025, warning that the Middle East “could be a dangerous place” and reiterating U.S. opposition to Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet with Iranian officials for a sixth round of nuclear talks in the coming days, signaling a continued push for diplomacy despite the rising tensions.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported dissatisfaction with the prospect of a “bad deal” has raised concerns that Israel may act unilaterally, potentially straining U.S.-Israel relations.

An Israeli operation against Iran carries significant risks, including the possibility of a broader regional conflict. Iran has vowed a “harsh and unwavering response” to any attack on its nuclear facilities, and its allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthi rebels in Yemen, could be mobilized to retaliate.

The presence of U.S. troops and assets in the region, including a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery in Israel, further complicates the situation, as Iran may perceive U.S. involvement in any Israeli action.

Military experts have noted that Iran’s nuclear facilities, many of which are deeply buried and heavily fortified, would be challenging targets for Israel to neutralize without significant U.S. support.

While Israel has reportedly considered a limited strike requiring minimal U.S. assistance, the aftermath could still draw the U.S. into a wider conflict, particularly if Iran targets American bases in Iraq or elsewhere.