AMICHAI STEIN

Sources told The Jerusalem Post that the decision was a result of France taking a hostile attitude toward Israel over the last two years.

Ahmad Vahidi, a known quantity for Israel and the West, became the face of a regime that prefers total confrontation over any semblance of pragmatism.

In recent days, US officials have indicated in closed-door discussions that “if the Iranians do not pursue a diplomatic path, there will be escalation, including the possibility of a ground operation

While sharply criticizing European countries, the ambassador noted that regional rivals had set aside their differences to face a common threat.

According to the testimonies, security forces have begun assembling in schools and universities, as well as establishing checkpoints to deliberately create traffic congestion as a human shield.

At the center of Trump's buildup is the 82nd Airborne Division and two amphibious ready groups, a move that experts suggest is aimed directly at Iranian strategic interests.

Israeli sources have confirmed that the IDF was behind the strike, adding that some of Tangsiri's top naval aides were killed in the same attack.

Israeli officials say a US-Iran deal remains unlikely, but fear President Donald Trump could still declare a temporary ceasefire as talks continue.

Iran's skepticism is one of the reasons US VP Vance has now become involved in the negotiations. Washington has sought to reassure Tehran that “this is not a ploy, but real negotiations."

An American source told the Post that “the strikes are continuing as planned," and Israeli officials also said there has been no change in coordination with the US military or in operational plans.