An Israeli source familiar with the discussions told the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth that Washington is considering "a controlled and limited military operation that avoids wider escalation” or a temporary agreement that would allow negotiations to continue and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route.

According to the assessment, Israeli officials favor a more forceful approach that could include renewed strikes on Iranian energy facilities and infrastructure, which they believe would significantly weaken the Iranian government’s operational capacity. The source said Israeli decision-makers remain cautious about appearing to pressure the United States into a broader regional war.

Lamaane News Network spoke with regional analysts in Jerusalem who said differences are emerging between Israeli and American calculations despite continued strategic coordination between the two allies. "The United States appears focused on containing the crisis and stabilizing energy markets, whereas Israeli security planners are prioritizing long-term deterrence against Iran and its regional network,” said Amir Cohen, a Middle East security analyst based in Tel Aviv.

Israeli assessments cited by Yedioth Ahronoth indicate that Trump is reluctant to authorize a full-scale return to hostilities, partly because of concerns over domestic political pressures and the economic consequences of another sharp rise in global energy prices. Officials also fear additional disruption to allied economies already affected by instability in shipping lanes across the Gulf.

In Washington, one scenario reportedly under discussion involves a limited U.S. military operation combined with continued pressure around the Strait of Hormuz. Under that framework, American officials could ask Israel to avoid direct involvement unless Iranian forces launch missiles toward Israeli territory. Israeli officials reportedly believe such an attack would likely trigger a severe Israeli response and risk expanding the conflict across the region.

Residents and travelers in Gulf transit hubs described continued uncertainty surrounding maritime traffic and regional security. At Dubai International Airport on Thursday evening, passengers departing for Europe and Asia reported heightened security checks and concerns over possible disruptions to commercial shipping and fuel supplies.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s traded oil, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for global markets. Israeli officials are also expressing concern that current U.S.-Iran discussions appear centered on Iran’s nuclear activities and maritime security, without addressing Tehran’s ballistic missile program or regional proxy groups, both considered core security issues by Israel.

Israeli officials expect Trump to delay any major decision until after returning from his visit to China early next week, according to the assessment.