US-Israel strikes on Iran could restart early next week - report

President Donald Trump stated Iran must reach a deal or face annihilation, noting the Islamic Republic has ignored several prior agreements.

US Air Force aircraft are positioned on the tarmac at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026.

(photo credit: Jack GUEZ / AFP via Getty Images)

ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

MAY 16, 2026 09:34

The United States and Israel are readying coordinated strikes on Iran that could begin as soon as next week, according to a New York Times report citing two Middle East officials.

The unnamed officials described the efforts as the most extensive preparations since a Pakistani-mediated ceasefire took hold in early April.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed lawmakers Tuesday that the US maintains options to increase pressure if required.

"We have a plan to escalate if necessary. We have a plan to withdraw if needed. We have a plan to reposition forces," Hegseth said.

President Trump told Fox News on Friday that Iran continues to disregard multiple agreements previously reached.

"Every time they reach an accord, the next day it is as if the discussion never happened," Trump said.

The proposed terms included Iran transferring enriched uranium to the US for extraction from deeply buried sites.

Trump: US would rather secure uranium

The New York Times noted that Iranian Parliament National Security Spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei warned enrichment could rise to 90 percent if strikes resume.

Trump told Sean Hannity on Thursday he would prefer to retrieve the material rather than leave it buried under rubble.

"I feel better if we actually obtain it," Trump said. "But this is largely about public perception."

Trump said he will show little further patience with Iranian leaders and gave them a choice to negotiate or face destruction.

"Any rational person would accept a deal," Trump said, "but they may not be rational."

Goldie Katz and Reuters contributed to this report.