Israel extends US troop presence through early 2027, report says

TEHRAN, Iran — JERUSALEM — Israel is preparing for a renewed conflict with Iran by extending the deployment of U.S. forces in the country through early 2027, according to Hebrew-language outlet Wala. The Israeli Defense Ministry and military are negotiating logistics agreements with local suppliers to sustain the American presence, preserving the force posture built up before a ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump has said the agreement reached with Tehran is, from his perspective, over. Israeli security institutions have raised their alert level, with one senior official describing the current preparation process as having moved "from zero to one hundred." Israeli intelligence assessments indicate Iran is not planning a full-scale war and is instead seeking to buy time to strengthen its negotiating position. Although senior U.S. officials appear reluctant to enter a broader conflict, security sources warned that Iran's public insults, calls to assassinate Trump and threats against oil tankers could test the American president's patience. Behind the scenes, Iran is pressing to include Hezbollah in any potential ceasefire agreement, a demand Israel and the United States have firmly rejected. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reiterated his commitment to strengthening the memorandum of understanding signed with Israel.