US officials claimed on Friday that Iran may launch a significant strike on Israeli territory within the next 24 to 48 hours. Tehran has been issuing threats of severe retaliation ever since Israel conducted an airstrike that resulted in the deaths of two senior Iranian generals earlier this month.
Recent reports from US intelligence agencies suggest that Iran is likely to target Israeli interests in the Middle East, with a potential attack window between Friday and Sunday. The possibility of the strike occurring on Israeli soil has raised concerns among officials.
According to two anonymous US officials, the attack could involve over 100 drones and numerous missiles being launched at Israel, with the potential for the strike to happen as early as Friday evening. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are reportedly preparing for a direct assault on either southern or northern Israel.
The US Embassy in West Jerusalem has cautioned Americans against traveling outside of central Israel, Jerusalem, or Beersheba until further notice due to the perceived threat. White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby emphasized the seriousness with which the US is treating the situation, acknowledging the credible nature of the threat posed by Iran.
Iran has accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of conducting an airstrike on its consulate in Damascus earlier this month, resulting in the deaths of seven officers from the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, including two generals. The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel have raised concerns about the potential for further hostilities in the region.
American officials informed Politico that the United States anticipates Iran’s response to be more significant than usual, yet not substantial enough to elicit a reaction from Washington. According to one source, the Iranians are aiming to carefully calibrate their response to avoid overplaying their hand.
Reports suggest that Israel is prepared to launch attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, as indicated by sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal. Iranian sources mentioned that Khamenei has been presented with various military options, including potential strikes on Israeli power plants and infrastructure using medium-range ballistic missiles. The Ayatollah has not yet selected a preferred course of action, with one source noting that Khamenei is evaluating the political risks involved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a speech at a military base, warned that Israel would retaliate in response to any Iranian aggression. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is ready to address all security requirements of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively, stating, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them.”
