Iran delays talks as US readies potential strikes

Israeli defense officials say Iran is using negotiations to delay decisions on its nuclear program and ballistic missile development, despite an ongoing economic crisis.

The White House is giving Iran another chance to return to talks, but officials believe the country is not willing to abandon its nuclear capabilities or stop producing missiles that threaten Europe.

US Central Command has prepared for a possible strike on Iran, but the administration will not act before the midterm elections unless it detects an imminent Iranian attack.

More than 3,000 American troops are stationed in Israel, with no significant increase in military aircraft deployed recently, contrasting with earlier refueling operations.

Israeli defense assessments suggest the US will push for a Palestinian city in Rafah, funded by the UAE, following the midterms, with plans to establish a controlled area under IDF control.

Senior Israeli officials oppose rebuilding Gaza without disarming Hamas and transferring authority to a third party, with preparations underway for identifying weapon handover locations.

Hamas has rejected proposals to surrender weapons and has backed away from the plan, prompting the IDF to prepare for a ground operation in Gaza City to dismantle terrorist infrastructure.

IDF troops in Hebron are also preparing to demolish homes of terrorists linked to a recent attack that killed two soldiers, with demolitions expected to occur on Saturday.