Israel’s Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, stated on Monday that 2026 is likely to become “a year of fighting” across multiple fronts, reflecting escalating regional tensions since October 2023.
According to an official military statement, Zamir said the Israeli army has been engaged in a continuous multi-front campaign since 7 October 2023, adding that forces remain fully prepared for the possibility of renewed large-scale combat. He stressed that Israel is maintaining a high level of operational readiness amid expectations of intensified confrontations across all theatres.
Washington Response Pending as Diplomacy Stalls
Zamir’s remarks coincided with confirmation from the White House that Iran’s latest proposal to halt the war remains under review, with a response from Donald Trump expected shortly.
Reports from CNN indicate that Trump is scheduled to meet senior officials from the Pentagon and military leadership to assess strategic options following a breakdown in communications with Tehran. Among the options under consideration is the potential resumption of air strikes against Iran.
The meeting follows Trump’s decision to cancel a planned visit by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Islamabad, where they were expected to engage in a new round of talks with Iranian representatives. Diplomatic efforts reportedly reached a deadlock prior to the scheduled discussions.
A senior US official cited by CNN described Iran’s latest proposal as falling significantly short of Washington’s red lines, highlighting a widening gap between both sides over the conditions required to end the war.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that discussions are ongoing, stating that the proposal is under review and that Trump’s response will be issued soon.
Israeli Escalation Signals and US Coordination
In parallel, Israel’s Channel 13 reported growing internal assessments within Israeli leadership pointing towards the likelihood of a renewed strike on Iran. These assessments are being developed in close security coordination with the United States, focusing on multiple operational scenarios.
Iran’s Negotiation Framework and Strategic Conditions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated upon arrival in Moscow that recent diplomatic engagement had been productive, noting that discussions included conditions under which negotiations with Washington could continue. He confirmed that Iran is maintaining close consultations with Russia on regional and international developments.
Sources indicate that Iran has submitted a structured three-phase negotiation proposal to mediators, expressing readiness to resume talks immediately if Washington agrees to its core principles.
Phase One: End of War and Security Guarantees
The first phase centres on ending hostilities against Iran and securing explicit guarantees preventing renewed attacks on both Iran and Lebanon. Tehran has made clear that no additional issues will be discussed at this stage.
Phase Two: Strait of Hormuz Governance
The second phase focuses on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz following the end of the war. Discussions are expected to take place in coordination with Oman, with the aim of establishing a new international legal framework governing navigation through the strait.
Phase Three: Nuclear File Deferred
Iran has deferred discussions related to its nuclear programme to the third phase, insisting that no negotiations on this file will occur until full agreement is reached on the first two stages.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Tehran’s demands include the establishment of a new governance system for the Strait of Hormuz, financial compensation, guarantees to halt what it describes as military aggression by hostile states, and the lifting of naval blockades.
The agency emphasised that current negotiations are unrelated to the nuclear file, contradicting the US position that considers Iran’s nuclear programme a central component of any future agreement.
Conditional Nuclear Concession
In contrast, reporting by the Wall Street Journal cited an Iranian official stating that Tehran is prepared to suspend uranium enrichment for five years, with the possibility of extending the restriction for an additional five years, provided adequate guarantees are secured.
On the US side, Trump stated in an interview with Fox News that discussions would continue via phone, adding that Iranian leadership is aware of what any agreement must include.
He justified cancelling his envoys’ trip to Pakistan by stating they would not undertake an 18-hour journey for unproductive talks. Trump also pointed to internal power struggles within Iran’s leadership, claiming uncertainty over decision-making authority.
He concluded by reinforcing Washington’s negotiating stance, asserting that the United States holds leverage in the talks and that any progress depends on Iran initiating direct communication.
