US Strategy Is To Confuse the Iranians

Prof. Kobi Michael: The Iranians are under huge pressure with the regime at its lowest point, and this is good because it may push them to make substantial concessions through negotiation, which is preferable for President Trump.

Israel must be ready for a scenario in which diplomacy collapses but Washington hesitates. If negotiations fail and the Americans decide not to strike, Israel will have to attack on its own. But Israel will need both international and domestic legitimacy.

If diplomacy fails, it will not be only a kinetic strike. It will be a combination of kinetic strike, cyber strike, cognitive warfare, and special operations.

Published in The Media Line, February 17, 2026.