Tensions between Iran and Israel are rapidly escalating as both nations intensify military readiness, prompting analysts to warn that a new confrontation may be closer than many expected. Iran has been conducting heavy air-defense testing across multiple regions, while Jerusalem continues sharpening its offensive and defensive posture amid intelligence reports that Tehran’s missile manufacturing lines are running at full capacity.

A November 2025 survey by The Economist found that a majority of Israelis believe war with Iran is likely in the near future—an assessment aligned with months of heightened threats from Tehran, including vows to “strike deep inside Israel” if provoked. The atmosphere has become one of expectation rather than speculation, with military analysts describing both sides as preparing for an inevitable clash.

Israeli commentator Yossi Yehoshua told i24 News that the Israel Defense Forces are actively training for a potential preemptive strike aimed at weakening Iran’s rebuilt missile arsenal. He described the situation as a “reality of rounds,” where Israel cannot rely on defense alone and may need to take decisive action to prevent Iran from achieving long-range strike capabilities.

Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group reinforced this view, noting that Israeli planners believe “the job is unfinished.” Iran’s missile production, he explained, has not only recovered but expanded, creating what he called an unsustainable strategic imbalance for Israel if left unchallenged.

Regional forecasts indicate that escalation could erupt as early as later this month or in early 2026. Any potential confrontation would likely include U.S. support for Israel and involve targeting Iranian proxies, particularly Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose arsenal and entrenchment have long been central concerns for both Jerusalem and Washington.

Although no specific attack has been confirmed and neither side has officially declared imminent action, the region is devoid of meaningful diplomacy. With negotiations stalled and both militaries accelerating preparations, analysts describe the moment as a “powder keg”—a volatile standoff where a single miscalculation, provocation, or preemptive assessment could ignite a wider conflict.

For now, Israel and Iran remain locked in a tense posture of deterrence and readiness. But with threats rising, arsenals growing, and timelines shrinking, the Middle East appears closer than ever to a confrontation that could reshape the regional balance of power.