Iran Planning 'Surprise' Missile, Drone Attack On Israel As Talks With US Remain Underway: Report

Last Updated:May 22, 2026, 11:29 IST

The negotiations between the U.S. and Iran remain underway as a ceasefire between the two countries hang in balance

With the United States and Iran engaged in negotiations to reach a peace deal, Tehran is likely planning a surprise missile and drone attack targeting Jerusalem and the Gulf nations.

During a security assessment involving Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and senior military officials, the possibility of a preemptive strike by Iran was discussed, The Jerusalem Post reported, citing intelligence officials.

The development comes as Washington and Tehran remain engaged in “intense indirect negotiations" to reach a final agreement, according to a report by the New York Times. 

As the two sides aim to avoid a renewed confrontation, even as disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, messages are draft texts are being exchanged, said the report.

Pertinent to note that the talks are indirect, a sign of mistrust between the U.S. and Iran.

A Fragile Ceasefire Between U.S., Iran

The negotiations between the U.S. and Iran remain underway as a ceasefire between the two countries hang in balance. One of the biggest sticking points is Tehran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Reports have suggested Iran possesses uranium enriched to around 60 per cent — 90 per cent enrichment is required to develop a nuclear weapon.

According to reports, Iran and the U.S. are at loggerheads over the transfer of the enriched uranium to Washington — a key demand that has been pushed by the U.S. time and again.

While Tehran remains insistent that it would not allow the transfer of enriched uranium abroad, U.S. President Donald Trump recently reiterated that Washington would not let Iran retain enriched uranium capable of supporting weapons development, according to reports.

“We will get it. We don’t need it, we don’t want it. We’ll probably destroy it after we get it, but we’re not going to let them have it", he had said, speaking about the country’s nuclear programme.

West Asia Conflict

The war in West Asia began on February 28, when the U.S.-Israel alliance launched joint strikes on Iran. In retaliation, Tehran directed attacks towards the Gulf nations, targeting infrastructure and multiple energy facilities.

Iran also blocked the vital Strait of Hormuz — which accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s energy trade — sending shockwaves through global markets and shifting the focal point of the conflict from the battlefield to the skyrocketing fuel prices.

News world Iran Planning 'Surprise' Missile, Drone Attack On Israel As Talks With US Remain Underway: Report

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