Overview
- President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is in a full‑fledged war with the United States, Israel and Europe, claiming Iran’s forces are stronger than before June and warning of a more decisive response to any new attack.
- Benjamin Netanyahu is set to brief President Donald Trump on December 29 in Florida on potential options, including Israeli‑led, joint, or U.S.‑backed strikes focused on Iran’s ballistic missile program, which Israeli officials describe as more pressing than the nuclear issue.
- IDF chief Eyal Zamir signaled readiness for further action against Iran, prioritizing strikes on production lines Israel fears could produce thousands of missiles annually.
- Western intelligence detected unusual aerial activity over Iran, and Israel has cautioned U.S. officials that recent IRGC missile drills could be a cover for preparations for a strike.
- Tehran maintains its missile program is defensive and non‑negotiable as it repairs air defenses and rebuilds capacity after June strikes, while France, Britain and Germany reimposed UN‑linked sanctions in September.