Thousands of drones as a response to the threat of a strike: Iran raises the stakes, and the head of AMAN works in Washington

Iran accelerates preparations for a possible military scenario amid discussions of a US strike on its facilities. Simultaneously, Israel is enhancing intelligence coordination with the American administration, while regional players are trying to contain an escalation that could escalate into a large-scale conflict.

According to the Axios portal, closed meetings are being held in Washington this week with the participation of senior defense and intelligence officials from Israel and Saudi Arabia. The central theme is a possible US operation against Iran and scenarios for further developments in the region.

US President Donald Trump’s decision to strengthen the American military contingent in the Persian Gulf has become a signal of increased readiness not only for Israel but also for other Middle Eastern countries. In Jerusalem and regional capitals, every movement is closely monitored — the risks of a rapid transition from diplomacy to force are too high.

A key element of the Israeli line has been the activation of military intelligence. The head of AMAN, Major General Shlomi Binder, held a series of meetings at the Pentagon, CIA, and the White House. According to sources, the Israeli delegation provided the American side with specific intelligence on potential targets inside Iran — at the direct request of the US administration.

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia is trying to play the role of a stabilizer. It is expected that the kingdom’s defense minister, Prince Khaled bin Salman, will hold talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other key figures. Riyadh fears that a strike on Iran will trigger a chain reaction of regional war, and therefore in recent days has acted as a mediator, conveying messages between Washington and Tehran.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has clearly marked a red line: the country’s airspace will not be provided to the US for a possible attack on Iran. This signal was directly conveyed to the Iranian leadership.

Within the American administration itself, according to sources, various scenarios of pressure on Tehran are being discussed — from targeted strikes on security structures to personal targets. Several interlocutors in the US claim that Trump views such actions as a way to create conditions for “regime change” against the backdrop of suppressed but not disappeared protest sentiments within Iran.

Tehran’s response was not long in coming. Iranian army commander Amir Hatami ordered a sharp increase in the drone component — we are talking about a thousand strategic drones. According to the Tasnim agency, these systems are intended to enhance the capabilities of a rapid and asymmetric response to external threats.

According to Iranian statements, the new drones include strike, reconnaissance-assault platforms, and electronic warfare means. They are designed to hit both stationary and mobile targets — on land, at sea, and in the air. Emphasis is placed on integrating ground and naval drones into a single system.

Iran’s neighbors share the concerns. A senior Turkish official told AFP that Ankara is considering additional security measures along the nearly 500-kilometer border with Iran. Even the existing border wall, he said, does not guarantee full protection in the event of regime collapse or large-scale hostilities.

The region is entering a phase of increased uncertainty, where diplomatic efforts run parallel to accelerated military preparations. Israel closely monitors Iranian steps, the US tests the limits of pressure, and Arab countries try to prevent an explosion that could engulf the entire Middle East. For the Israeli audience, this context is not abstract geopolitics, but a matter of direct security here and now, as consistently reported by NAnovosti — Israel News | Nikk.Agency.