Israel steps up war readiness as Iran threat and US talks stoke alarm

Israel is accelerating war preparations as fears of conflict with Iran surge. Right-wing leader Avigdor Lieberman urged authorities to build mass shelters, warning millions must be protected if war erupts. Reports say Israel has deployed live-fire air defence systems inside residential neighbourhoods for the first time since the 2025 Israel–Iran war, a move analysts say could turn civilian zones into prime targets. Tensions escalated after senior Iranian official Ali Shamkhani warned that any U.S. strike on Iran would trigger direct retaliation against Israel. The developments come as Washington and Tehran prepare nuclear negotiations, with Israel fearing a deal that leaves Iran’s missiles untouched.