An unnamed Israeli official told Army Radio that Jerusalem was caught off guard by reports that the White House was nearing a diplomatic agreement with Iran to halt the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, saying Israel had been bracing for further escalation in the fighting instead. The official said that while Washington’s talks with Tehran on a one-page peace framework had progressed quietly, Israeli planners were focused on preparing for a surge in hostilities and had received little advance notice of the alleged deal negotiations.