Israeli Army Chief of the General Staff Eyal Zamir declared on Sunday, 25 May that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are prepared to resume intense combat operations against Iran immediately, even as Washington and Tehran reported progress in talks aimed at extending a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The statement, issued during a situational assessment at the military's Northern Command, underscores the fragility of the current diplomatic window.

Zamir's Warning at Northern Command

Speaking at the Northern Command situational assessment, Zamir said the IDF “is prepared to resume intense combat operations immediately” and is positioned to further degrade Iran's military capabilities. He added: “We will maintain readiness and operational flexibility for as long as required.” The blunt language signals that Israel views any diplomatic progress as reversible and is not standing down its forces.

Netanyahu-Trump Coordination on Iran Nuclear Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that he and US President Donald Trump had spoken and reached alignment on the terms for any final agreement with Iran. In a post on social media platform X, Netanyahu stated: “I spoke last night with President Trump about the memorandum of understanding to reopen the Straits of Hormuz and the upcoming negotiations toward a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program.”

Netanyahu laid out a firm red line: “President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear danger. That means dismantling Iran’s nuclear enrichment sites and removing its enriched nuclear material from its territory.” He also expressed appreciation to Trump for his “unwavering commitment” to Israel’s security, including during Operation Roaring Lion and Operation Epic Fury, in which American and Israeli forces reportedly fought jointly against Iranian threats.

US-Iran Talks: Progress but Gaps Remain

According to reports, the United States and Iran have made headway in negotiations focused on extending the ceasefire and restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, significant disagreements reportedly persist over Tehran's nuclear programme — precisely the issue on which Netanyahu and Trump have staked out a maximalist position. Netanyahu's security cabinet was expected to convene on Sunday evening to assess the developments.

Israel Continues Strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon

Separately, Zamir confirmed that Israeli forces were continuing to strike Hezbollah “across all dimensions” in Lebanon. A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was announced in April, but Israel has not withdrawn its forces from southern Lebanon and continues to carry out daily strikes, saying these target Hezbollah positions and fighters. Critics argue the continued operations undermine the ceasefire's credibility.

What Comes Next

The convergence of active IDF readiness declarations, Netanyahu-Trump coordination, and unresolved US-Iran nuclear gaps creates a volatile diplomatic environment. Whether the Strait of Hormuz memorandum of understanding advances — and whether Iran accepts the nuclear dismantlement terms Israel and the US have outlined — will determine if the region moves toward a durable agreement or a return to open conflict.