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Analysis

Israel fears Iran resuming ballistic missile project, eyes confrontation, destabilizing regime

The Israeli security establishment is concerned over reports that Iran is adamant in avenging the Israeli and American strikes on its nuclear plants last summer, resuming and bolstering its ballistic missile project.

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Traffic flows past a huge billboard bearing a painting of a missile falling on Israel on July 16, 2025. — Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

TEL AVIV — Israeli officials are openly discussing a new round of fighting with Iran, briefing journalists and diplomats on the matter and conducting clandestine operations aimed at destabilizing the Tehran government. 

Iran, meanwhile, has escalated its threats against Israel and senior Israeli officials.

A New York Times report on Nov. 9 described the situation as follows: “With no negotiations, no oversight and no clarity about Iran’s stock of nuclear material, many in the region fear another war with Israel is inevitable.”

While no specific timeline has been offered, Israeli officials insist that — contrary to promises by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — Iran’s nuclear program was not fully eliminated in the American and Israeli strikes on its facilities in June.

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