Israel on high alert as speculation over US intervention grows amid unrest in Iran

Israel has moved to a state of high alert as anti-government protests grip Iran and concerns grow over possible US intervention, according to three Israeli sources familiar with the situation. The alert follows escalating demonstrations in Iran, warnings from Washington, and renewed regional tensions after recent hostilities.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened intervention in recent days and warned Iran’s leadership against using force on demonstrators. Speaking on Saturday, Trump said the US stands “ready to help”.

The prospect of US involvement has drawn close attention in Israel, which fought a 12-day war with Iran in June. During that conflict, the US joined Israel in launching airstrikes.

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The Israeli sources said they were present at security consultations over the weekend but did not explain what the high-alert posture involved in practice. Israel has not publicly detailed any specific military or security measures linked to the situation.

Netanyahu and Rubio discuss developments

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke by phone on Saturday, according to an Israeli source present for the conversation. The discussion included the possibility of US intervention in Iran. A US official confirmed the call took place but did not disclose its contents.

Despite the unrest in Iran, Israel has not indicated that it intends to intervene directly as protests spread across the country. Relations between the two long-standing adversaries remain strained, particularly over Israeli concerns about Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

In an interview with the Economist published on Friday, Netanyahu warned that Iran would face severe repercussions if it attacked Israel. Referring to the internal situation in Iran, he said, “Everything else, I think we should see what is happening inside Iran.”

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President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States is “ready to help” amid an intensifying crackdown by authorities of the Islamic republic.

“Iran is looking at FREEDOM, perhaps like never before. The USA stands ready to help!!!” Trump said in a social post on Truth Social, without elaborating.

His comments come a day after he said that Iran was in “big trouble” and again warned that he could order military strikes.