Following the Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria, a U.S. official has reported that the United States is now on high alert. The U.S. is actively preparing for a possible Iranian attack that could target both Israeli and American assets in the West Asia region.
While U.S. and Israeli officials acknowledge the inevitability of an Iranian response, there remains uncertainty regarding the nature of Iran’s retaliation to the recent strikes.
“We’re definitely at a high state of vigilance,” the official informed CNN, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The prospect of a strike looms, with the possibility that it could occur as early as next week.
In a dramatic escalation, Israeli warplanes targeted Iran’s embassy in Damascus on Monday, resulting in the death of senior Iranian military commanders. This brazen attack has intensified the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors in the volatile Middle East region.
GPS has been blocked across #Israel to disrupt missiles and drones, as tensions rise with #Iran. It's the latest fallout from Monday's deadly attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria. With more vows of retaliation from Tehran, Israeli embassies around the world are on high alert. pic.twitter.com/eYKuJ8CxGq
— WatchTower 环球瞭望台 (@WatchTowerGW) April 5, 2024
According to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, seven Iranian military advisors lost their lives in the attack. Among the deceased was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the senior commander of the Quds Force.
In the wake of escalating tensions, US President Joe Biden engaged in a phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During this crucial dialogue, they deliberated on the imminent risk of a counterstrike by Iran. Subsequent to their exchange, the United States and Israel have maintained ongoing communication, as confirmed by a senior administration official to NBC News.
As per CBS News, United States intelligence has uncovered information indicating that Iran is actively planning a retaliatory strike. Their strategy involves deploying a substantial fleet of Shahed loitering drones and cruise missiles.
According to reports, officials have indicated that the timing and target of the anticipated retaliatory action remain uncertain. However, a proportional response to the recent Damascus attack would involve striking an Israeli diplomatic facility. This anticipated attack is expected to occur sometime between now and the conclusion of Ramadan next week.
In the midst of heightened tensions, two officials from Biden’s cabinet have expressed apprehensions regarding potential Iranian reprisals alongside Israel. Their stance emphasizes that any counterattack would specifically target military and intelligence installations, rather than civilian populations.
According to The New York Times, Iran has placed all its armed forces on full high alert. This decision comes in response to an alleged Israeli strike in Syria that resulted in the death of a top Iranian commander and several other Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members.
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s top advisor issued a firm warning to the Biden administration, urging Washington to refrain from involvement in the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel.
In a written message, the Islamic Republic of Iran warns US leadership not to get dragged in Netanyahu's trap for US: Stay away so you won't get hurt. In response US asked Iran not to target American facilities.
— Mohammad Jamshidi (@MhmmdJamshidi) April 5, 2024
Mohammad Jamshidi, Raisi’s deputy chief of staff, issued a written warning on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The message cautioned the U.S. leadership against falling into Netanyahu’s trap, urging them to steer clear to avoid harm. In response, the U.S. requested Iran to refrain from targeting American facilities .
Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, characterized the Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria as a pivotal moment. He unequivocally stated that Tehran’s retaliation was unavoidable.
Meanwhile, Israeli authorities in Tel Aviv are reportedly contemplating the construction of bunkers in anticipation of potential reprisals from Iran.
Furthermore, the Israeli military has opted to mobilize reserve soldiers within its Aerial Defense Array as a precautionary step in anticipation of possible reprisals from Iran.
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