Israel Informs US Its Campaign Against Iran Likely to End Soon

Israel is looking to wrap up its campaign in Iran soon and has passed the message on to the United States, according to three Israeli officials, though much depends on its adversary's next move.

- Reuters

JERUSALEM/TEL AVIV:

According to two other officials, Israeli leaders are trying to work out the precise exit strategy that will conclude the campaign and end Iran's missile and drone attacks, to avoid tit-for-tat strikes paralyzing the country.

Another source briefed on the matter said that the military has signaled that it was close to achieving its goals.

War of attrition But although Israel picked the moment to launch its surprise strike on Iran, it cannot control when the conflict ends and risks being drawn into a costly war of attrition if Tehran chooses to extend the fight, officials and analysts say.

Since unleashing its offensive in the early hours of June 13, Israel has killed senior Iranian generals and nuclear scientists, dismantled air defense systems, and struck multiple atomic-related sites and ballistic missile facilities.

"We are not there yet but it looks more like a matter of days than weeks," said Eran Lerman, a former Israeli deputy national security adviser, in comments that chimed with the views of the three Israeli officials.

"The end game is not that far from an Israeli point of view."