In high-risk security leaks, a senior Israeli security source told media via i24NEWS on Thursday, September 24, 2026, that Israeli intelligence assessments point to Iran moving rapidly toward the threshold of nuclear and ballistic deterrence.
Here are the key points from the exclusive statements:
Nuclear Program and Accelerating Fortification:
• Iran is intensifying the relocation and fortification of its nuclear project at Mount Axe near Natanz.
• Israel is monitoring what it describes as Iranian attempts to preempt any military attack by activating its nuclear program.
• Key warning: Israel says it will strike Iran’s nuclear facilities again if Tehran crosses its red lines.
• Despite the escalation, Israel still sees a genuine opportunity for an agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Economic Strangulation and Fear of a “Desperation Strike”:
• The U.S. economic blockade on Iran is described as highly effective and increasingly weakening the internal system.
• This economic pressure could trigger the beginning of a regime collapse sooner than many expect.
• The most dangerous scenario: mounting economic pressure and internal divisions could push Tehran to initiate an attack on Israel as a way of “moving forward” rather than retreating.
• Absolute red line: Iran’s ballistic-missile program and missile stockpile remain an absolute red line for Tel Aviv.
Geopolitical Read:
The simultaneous leaks reveal a state of heightened alert and a race against time. While Tel Aviv is betting on squeezing Tehran through sanctions and direct military threats against the fortified “Mount Axe” facilities, it also recognizes the strategic risk: cornering Iran could accelerate an open confrontation or push Tehran to complete a nuclear weapon as the ultimate deterrent.