ISTANBUL

The Israeli army said Friday that it is “closely monitoring the situation in Iran” and remains prepared “to defend” the country amid the US-Iranian tensions, according to the Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth.

The army spokesperson, Effy Defrin, said he is aware of “the sense of uncertainty and tension among the public in light of the regional developments,” adding that the Israeli army is “alert and ready to defend you.”

The army is closely monitoring the situation in Iran and is alert and ready to defend, he said, adding that “there is no change in guidelines," and if any changes occur, the public would be informed accordingly.

His comments come as indirect negotiations between the US and Iran concluded Thursday, amid Israeli media assessments that Washington could carry out a strike against Tehran, though no official military decision has been announced by US authorities.

In recent weeks, the US has reinforced its military presence in the region and signaled the possibility of military action to pressure Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile programs and curb “its regional allies.”

Tehran has accused Washington and Israel of fabricating pretexts for intervention and regime change and has warned it would respond to any military attack, even if limited, while insisting that sanctions relief must accompany any restrictions on its nuclear program.