US, Israel Preparing Possible New Strikes on Iran Next Week: NYT

May 17, 2026 at 08:32 AM

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Lanka Leader

The United States and Israel are preparing for a possible new round of attacks on Iran as early as next week, according to a report by The New York Times citing unnamed officials.

The report said preparations for renewed military action have accelerated in recent days as indirect negotiations between Iran and the administration of Donald Trump remain stalled despite a fragile ceasefire reached in April after weeks of fighting.

According to the newspaper, possible options under discussion include heavier airstrikes targeting Iranian military and infrastructure sites, as well as a potential operation to seize Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, believed to be hidden underground following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025.

Tensions have also continued in the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions to shipping have contributed to global oil shortages. Iran has introduced its own maritime traffic control mechanism in the strategic waterway, but Washington has rejected the plan and imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, the report said.

Trump has repeatedly warned that military action could resume, criticizing Tehran’s proposals in recent talks and describing the current ceasefire as “unbelievably weak.”

Iran, however, has warned it is prepared to respond to any attack while still expressing support for diplomacy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran has “every reason not to trust the Americans,” adding that there is “no military solution” to the conflict.