Iran is warning that Israel’s outreach to the United States could be detrimental to regional diplomacy, as tensions escalate and preparations appear to be underway for potential conflict. The exchange of warnings comes ahead of a scheduled meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
According to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi, Israel’s engagement with the U.S. Carries a “destructive impact” on diplomatic efforts in the region. “The decision to act independently of pressures and destructive effects is up to the U.S.,” Bekayi stated on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The development underscores growing regional tensions as negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program continue.
The U.S. Maritime Administration has issued new security recommendations for U.S.-flagged vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, advising them to maintain distance from Iranian territorial waters to avoid jeopardizing navigational safety. This advisory follows reports of increased Iranian naval activity in the critical waterway, a key global oil transit route.
Meanwhile, satellite imagery of the Isfahan Nuclear Plant reveals that all entrances to a complex within the facility have been completely closed. Israeli media outlets suggest the move is a precaution against a possible air strike. The imagery, reportedly captured on Monday, February 9, 2026, shows tunnel entrances covered with earth.
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi
TEHRAN’S WARNING TO WASHINGTON
Bekayi emphasized that negotiations are being conducted directly with the United States, stating, “Our interlocutor is the U.S.” He accused Israel of repeatedly sabotaging diplomatic initiatives, adding, “It has repeatedly shown that it is against any diplomatic process that opens the way to peace in our region.”
Netanyahu departed for Washington on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, ahead of his meeting with President Trump. Before leaving Tel Aviv, Netanyahu stated he would convey “Israel’s views and principles” regarding negotiations with Iran, principles he believes are “important not only for Israel but for anyone who wants peace and security.” He noted this would be his seventh meeting with Trump, highlighting the close relationship between the two leaders.
According to Israel’s KAN public broadcaster, Netanyahu will attempt to persuade the U.S. Administration to secure restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program as part of any deal. He is expected to present intelligence indicating Iran is increasing its ballistic missile capacity. Israel intends to convey to the U.S. Administration the “threats that a limited agreement with Iran could pose.” Sources within the U.S. Government suggest Israel would prefer a military strike against Iran, and that Netanyahu will be advocating for that option.
PREPARATIONS FOR CONFLICT
Reporting from Maariv suggests Iran is preparing for potential strikes against its nuclear facilities. The satellite imagery reveals the complete closure of entrances to a buried tunnel complex at the Isfahan facility, a measure believed to be in anticipation of a possible air attack or raid.
The high-resolution images were reportedly taken on Monday, February 9, 2026. Iranian officials have expressed concerns over a potential air strike and a possible U.S./Israeli raid, with the tunnel entrances covered in earth to mitigate the impact of an attack and prevent the capture of enriched uranium.
U.S. ADVISES VESSELS TO STAY CLEAR
Amidst rising tensions, the U.S. Issued a warning to vessels flying the American flag transiting the Strait of Hormuz to stay clear of Iranian territorial waters, the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Maritime Administration issued the guidance on Monday, February 9, 2026, urging ship captains to exercise caution if encountering Iranian forces. The agency stated the new directives prioritize the safety of vessels and crews.
The advisory included the following instructions: “If Iranian forces board a U.S.-flagged commercial vessel, the crew should not forcibly resist. Non-resistance does not constitute consent or acquiescence. U.S.-flagged commercial vessels are advised to maintain as much distance as possible from Iranian territorial waters although transiting these waters, without jeopardizing navigational safety. When transiting eastward through the Strait of Hormuz, vessels should consider navigating closer to Omani territorial waters.”
A CRITICAL PETROLEUM CHOKEPOINT
The U.S. Government describes the Strait of Hormuz as “the world’s most important oil chokepoint” due to its role as the maritime gateway to energy-producing regions. In late January, the U.S. Military warned Iran to avoid “unsafe and unprofessional” behavior after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps conducted naval exercises in the strait.
U.S. TO Maintain DEMANDS UNDER WRAPS
U.S. Deputy President JD Vance told reporters in Armenia on Monday, February 9, 2026, that the final decision on whether to set a “red line” regarding enrichment would rest with President Trump, and that U.S. Demands of Iran would likely be kept confidential.
U.S. Deputy President JD Vance
THE NUCLEAR FILE
The nuclear file remains a sensitive issue in relations between the U.S. And Iran. In December 2025, Trump stated that Washington would strike Iran if it attempted to rebuild its nuclear and missile programs, escalating tensions. In June 2025, during Israeli strikes, U.S. Forces bombed three main Iranian nuclear facilities while negotiations between Tehran and Washington were ongoing. Iranian officials state that current negotiations are “entirely focused on the nuclear issue.” The Trump administration likewise seeks to address Iran’s missile arsenal and its support for actors like Hezbollah and Hamas.
