JERUSALEM

Israel and the US are preparing for the possibility that ongoing negotiations with Iran may fail, intensifying military cooperation in recent days, Israeli media reported Sunday.

Channel 12 reported that the US has been reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East to enhance deterrence or lay the groundwork for potential future military operations. High-level contacts between Israeli and US officials have increased, the report said, aimed at strengthening military coordination in case negotiations do not yield an agreement.

The US military buildup in the region is being interpreted in Israel as either an attempt to create a "victory image" against Iran or preparation for a series of planned military operations that could reshape the regional balance of power, according to the report.

It also claimed disagreements exist between the US and Israel over potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure, with Israel supporting such action while Washington is opposed. Senior Israeli officials were cited as saying there is a divergence between Tel Aviv and Washington regarding the nature of potential attacks.

Iran, meanwhile, questions US sincerity in the negotiations and does not trust Washington, the report added, saying Tehran has not yet responded to US demands for this reason. It also claimed Iran is seeking to involve Gulf countries as well as Russia and China in the process.

Regional escalation has continued since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 1,340 people to date, including then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation.

*Writing by Merve Berker