On 26 January 2025, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz suggested potential military action against Iran within the coming months, highlighting regional challenges and strategic opportunities in a letter to newly appointed US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth. Katz stated Israel’s readiness to act against Iran’s nuclear facilities, a position echoed in recent reports, including one by Saudi outlet al-Arabiya, citing a European official who claimed Israel had decided to launch such an attack. Meanwhile, Iranian forces showcased advanced capabilities during the ‘Great Prophet’ military drill, unveiling the Gaza drone with a wingspan of 22 metres, a range of 1,000 kilometres, and enhanced AI-equipped missiles. The IRGC also launched new Navvab missiles and upgraded Qadr missiles, furthering regional tensions. Simultaneously, a cyberattack attributed to Iranian hackers targeted Israeli educational institutions, disrupting systems with messages and songs, underlining the multifaceted nature of the current geopolitical confrontation. n18oc_world n18oc_crux