The United States may opt to impose a blockade on Iran rather than launch a direct military strike, according to an Israeli Iran expert.

Axar.az reports that he said the strong US naval presence in the Gulf allows Washington to apply pressure without resorting to a kinetic attack, leaving multiple options on the table, according to the Jerusalem Post.

The comments follow President Donald Trump’s statement that a large US naval force is moving toward Iran, though he expressed hope that force would not be used.

Former Israeli national security adviser Eyal Hulata also said current developments do not point to an imminent large-scale war and suggested US pressure could push Tehran back to negotiations.

Both experts said an Iranian military response against Israel is not inevitable, depending on how Tehran interprets US actions.

They warned that while Israel prefers Washington to lead any confrontation with Iran, any Iranian strike on Israel would trigger a strong response targeting key infrastructure.