Reports indicate that Israel is stepping up its contingency plans for air strikes against Iran’s nuclear program following news that Iran has achieved 84% uranium enrichment, inching closer to weapons-grade level. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of his cabinet have reached a deal on a multi-year defense budget with a large percentage geared towards countering Iran. Meanwhile, according to The Times of Israel, Iran has revealed its new ‘Paveh’ cruise missile with a range of 1,650 km (1,025 miles) that could reach Israel as well as U.S. bases in the region. Iran State TV also reiterated Iran’s desire to assassinate former U.S. President Trump for the death of Iran’s Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani in January 2020.
