The US has in recent months consolidated varying levels of support and cooperation with several Arab states. Just as significantly, previous disagreements with Britain have largely been resolved. The cooperation is seen as critical not only for intelligence, logistical and defensive assistance in the event of an attack, but also for securing international legitimacy for such a decisive move.
From a military standpoint, much of the infrastructure is already in place. The cooperation and coordination developed over years under US Central Command have been reinforced through frequent joint exercises. In addition to most Gulf states, the coalition includes Jordan and Egypt, Greece and Cyprus, Britain and, of course, Israel.
The framework proved itself during the recent war known in Israel as Operation Rising Lion, when partner countries worked closely together to help defend Middle Eastern airspace from Iranian missiles and drones.
That cooperation extends to shared intelligence assessments and coordination of flight paths and troop movements. If a strike is launched, it is not expected to conclude within a single day. Local logistical support will be especially important for US forces to replenish and refresh personnel and equipment over time. The decision, however, rests with the White House.
"If you analyze the various voices being heard around President Trump, there is a clear majority among those who believe there is no choice but to carry out the offensive threat against Iran, compared to a small minority who think the slim chance of reaching a diplomatic solution on the various issues with Iran should be exhausted," a US source closely familiar with the matter told Israel Hayom.
According to the source, those advocating a strike do not see it solely as a means of destroying Iran's nuclear facilities or missile launchers. Rather, they view it as a move that could achieve the far more dramatic strategic objective of changing the clerical regime in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The source said that while the issues currently on the table, including Iran's nuclear program and its missile arsenal, are significant, the prevailing policy within the administration favors a fundamental change "from the root," rather than periodic limited operations, a concept Israelis often refer to as "mowing the grass" in the context of Palestinian terrorism.
Two sources provided additional details about discussions taking place at the White House and in other administration headquarters. They described recent reports about the position of Gen. Caine and other statements as highly partial and distorting the true picture.
The military assessment is complex. It indicates a high level of readiness by the US military, including the Navy and the Air Force, to carry out sustained high-intensity strike missions while simultaneously defending against Iranian attacks over time. At the same time, military officials stress the need to define a clear time frame and precise objectives for the campaign, as well as the means to achieve them.
Regime change on the table
The question of toppling the regime is constantly under discussion. All sides reportedly agree that such an objective would be highly desirable, but there is less clarity about how the United States should advance it. The State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are emerging as among the strongest supporters of an offensive move and the broader strategic goal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is also fully aligned with that position, while backing the military's call for defined objectives and a clear time frame.
Inside Iran, universities have become centers of protest for the past four days, with the regime deploying increasing force to suppress them. Thousands of university students as well as high school students have gathered at rallies and demonstrations featuring chants against the regime. Posters of the ayatollahs have been torn down, Iran's former national flag has been raised and some faculty members have joined the protests.
The expectation is that the regime will further reinforce the forces suppressing the demonstrations if they continue. There are fears that the situation could escalate into bloodshed similar to the mass protests that took place a month and a half ago.
