On Tuesday, CNN, citing U.S. officials, reported that new intelligence obtained by the United States indicates that Israel is preparing to strike Iranian nuclear sites, according to Reuters.

However, according to these officials, it remains unclear whether Israeli leaders have made a final decision. An Israeli source told CNN that Israel will not accept a "bad deal" with Iran, emphasizing that Israel is preparing to strike Iran unilaterally.

Iran’s Lack of a Contingency Plan

Meanwhile, three Iranian sources revealed on Tuesday that Iran’s leadership lacks a clear contingency plan should negotiations to resolve the nuclear dispute collapse. Talks between Washington and Tehran have stalled due to rising tensions over uranium enrichment.

The sources added that Iran may turn to China and Russia as an alternative if the negotiations remain deadlocked. However, due to the U.S.-China trade war and Moscow’s focus on its war in Ukraine, Tehran’s backup plan appears fragile.

Iran’s Strategy Amid Escalating Tensions

A senior Iranian official stated that Iran's alternative strategy is to continue its pre-negotiation approach —avoiding escalation while strengthening relations with allies such as Russia and China.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei criticized U.S. demands for Tehran to halt uranium enrichment, calling them "excessive and insulting." He also expressed doubts that nuclear negotiations would lead to an agreement.

Challenges to the Nuclear Talks

After four rounds of talks aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief, major obstacles remain.

Two Iranian officials and a European diplomat stated that Tehran refuses to ship its entire stockpile of highly enriched uranium abroad or engage in discussions on its ballistic missile program.

Mistrust between both sides has worsened following U.S. President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear agreement, increasing Iran’s demand for guarantees that Washington will not back out of any future deal.

Iran’s Economic & Security Challenges

Iran’s leadership faces growing crises, including:

- Energy and water shortages,

- Currency depreciation,

- Military losses among regional allies,

- Mounting concerns over a potential Israeli strike on its nuclear sites —exacerbated by Trump’s hardline policies.

Revival of Trump’s "Maximum Pressure" Campaign

Since February, Trump has revived the "maximum pressure" campaign on Tehran, implementing tighter sanctions and issuing military threats.

According to the sources, Iran’s leadership has little choice but to reach a new agreement, as economic turmoil at home threatens its rule.