Iran Puts Its Nuclear Sites On High Alert Over Fears Of Joint US-Israeli Attack

Iran has placed its defense systems around nuclear sites on high alert amid growing fears of a potential attack by Israel and the United States, The Telegraph has learned. This move reflects Tehran's heightened concerns over escalating tensions and the possibility of military action against its nuclear program.

According to two high-level government sources, Iran has not only bolstered its defenses around key nuclear and missile sites but has also deployed additional air defense system launchers. These measures have been taken in response to increasing warnings from US intelligence that Israel may attempt to target Iran's nuclear infrastructure this year.

One Iranian source stated, "They [Iranian authorities] are just waiting for the attack and are anticipating it every night and everything has been on high alert--even in sites that no one knows about." He added that Iran's efforts to fortify its nuclear sites have intensified, particularly following Israel's previous strikes on Iranian assets.

Recent developments, including statements from former US President Donald Trump and reports of possible military plans under his administration, have further fueled Iran's defensive preparations. Trump has previously endorsed Israeli actions against Iran's nuclear facilities, and his re-election campaign has been accompanied by rhetoric supporting a hardline approach to Tehran.

Iran's air defense capabilities include domestically developed systems as well as Russian-supplied S-300 missile systems. However, military analysts suggest these defenses may not be sufficient to counter Israel's advanced weaponry. Iran has been pressuring Russia to expedite the delivery of S-400 missile systems, which could provide better protection against potential Israeli airstrikes.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) aerospace force commander, General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, recently announced that Tehran is also developing a ballistic missile defense system. He acknowledged deficiencies in the country's existing defenses, stating that recent attacks had exposed vulnerabilities in Iran's air defense network.

"In every meeting that I, along with [IRGC] commander [Hossein] Salami and [Chief of Staff of Iran's Armed Forces] commander [Mohammad] Bagheri, had with the Supreme Leader, his first question was always: 'What happened? Where does it stand?'" Hajizadeh said. He confirmed that the new defense system is expected to be operational by March, with deployments planned for Tehran and several other major cities.

Israel and Iran have been engaged in a long-running shadow war, primarily fought through proxy groups and covert operations. However, the conflict has escalated significantly since the war in Gaza began in 2023, with both nations launching direct attacks on each other's military assets.

In October 2023, Iran carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, firing over 200 missiles. Israel responded with precision airstrikes targeting Iranian positions, further heightening tensions. Iran now fears that an Israeli attack on its nuclear facilities--potentially with US support--could be imminent.

Iran's vulnerabilities have been exacerbated by broader geopolitical challenges, including setbacks to its regional allies. The weakening of Iranian proxy groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, combined with the declining influence of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, has placed additional pressure on Tehran. Analysts suggest these factors have emboldened Israel and the US to consider direct action against Iran's nuclear program.

The prospect of a joint US-Israeli strike remains a significant concern for Tehran. While Israel has the capability to carry out precision attacks, the distance between the two countries presents logistical challenges, particularly in terms of mid-air refueling and intelligence support.

Jason Brodsky, policy director of United Against Nuclear Iran, highlighted that the US could support an Israeli operation in multiple ways, including intelligence sharing, aerial reconnaissance, and supplying advanced weaponry. "The US can support it politically, the US can support it in terms of intelligence reconnaissance and aerial refueling capabilities, also the US can support in transferring advanced munitions and delivery vehicles to be able to destroy Iran's nuclear program," he explained.

Washington's position on Iran remains complex. While the Biden administration has sought diplomatic engagement, the Trump administration pursued a maximum pressure campaign aimed at crippling Iran's economy and preventing it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Trump has indicated that if negotiations with Iran fail, he is prepared to consider military options to halt its nuclear ambitions.

Michael Waltz, the US national security adviser, recently reaffirmed that "all options are on the table" regarding Iran. He warned that Tehran remains an unpredictable actor and must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons. "They [Iran] are an irrational actor that we cannot allow to have their finger on the button," Waltz said.

With tensions at an all-time high, Iran is seeking ways to revive the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the Trump administration withdrew in 2018. However, the US and Israel are pushing for complete Iranian disarmament--a demand Tehran is unlikely to accept.

Brodsky noted that as long as both sides maintain maximalist positions, diplomatic solutions will remain elusive. "As long as both sides are speaking with such demands, there is unlikely to be a sustainable diplomatic settlement to this issue and that necessitates the US to develop a very robust pressure architecture," he said.

Iran's military drills in the southeast city of Konarak underscore its readiness for potential conflict. However, with Israel increasingly vocal about taking decisive action against Iran's nuclear program, and the US maintaining a firm stance, the risk of a large-scale military confrontation continues to gro