Israeli officials view Iran stance as bluff while Trump pursues lasting ceasefire accord

Defense officials in Israel assess that Tehran is capitalizing on Washington's hesitation to restart military action to gain leverage in talks.

Iranian Americans and supporters of the National Council of Resistance of Iran take part in a march passing in front of the US Department of Labor building with a banner with the image of U.S. President Donald Trump, in Washington, DC, US, May 16, 2026.

(photo credit: KEN CEDENO/REUTERS)

ByAMIR BOHBOT

JUNE 6, 2026 01:10

Updated: JUNE 6, 2026 02:59

Senior Israeli defense officials said earlier this week that they believe Iran is overplaying its position as US President Donald Trump continues efforts to prevent renewed fighting and reach a new agreement with Tehran.

The officials said Israel's defense establishment is closely monitoring the future of Iran's enriched uranium, internal power struggles in Tehran, and the declining likelihood of another joint military operation with the United States.

The Israeli officials cited in the report assessed that Tehran believes Washington is reluctant to strike Iran before or during major events in the United States, including the 2026 World Cup and the July 4 celebrations marking 250 years since American independence.

The officials said this perception is being used by Iran to strengthen its position in negotiations.

Trump is reportedly remaining focused on avoiding another round of fighting while trying to secure an understanding on Iran's nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.

Power struggle inside Tehran?

Tensions have reportedly festered inside Iran between officials pushing for a longer ceasefire and reconstruction and hard-line figures seeking revenge against Israel and other countries.

Israeli defense officials said this internal struggle requires Israel's intelligence community to remain on high alert, including continued readiness by the Israel Air Force for possible long-range operations.

The officials said Israel is especially concerned that Iran's enriched uranium could remain buried underground and later be recovered for use in its nuclear program. Israeli officials are concerned about 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent.

Wider regional threats remain

According to the report, Israeli officials believe Trump is concentrating on the nuclear issue and the Strait of Hormuz, while leaving other threats, including ballistic missiles, reconstruction of Iran's defense industries, and financing of terrorism in the Middle East, to Israel and regional states.

This is a very worrying issue, a senior Israeli official was quoted as saying, referring to the fate of Iran's enriched uranium.