NewsIran gears up for potential strike on Israel, vows retaliation

Iran gears up for potential strike on Israel, vows retaliation

Israel is preparing for an attack by Iran. It may occur within a day.

Images source: © East News

6:34 AM EDT, April 12, 2024

Israel is bracing for a potential direct attack from Iran, possibly within the next 24-48 hours, as reported by the American newspaper "Wall Street Journal" on Friday, based on information from a source familiar with the situation.

"WSJ" sources indicate that although Tehran is discussing plans for the anticipated attack on Israel, a final decision has yet to be reached. In response to the Israeli bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Iran's leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has publically vowed retaliation.

On Thursday, Western officials engaged with Iran's Foreign Ministry, seeking to prevent further escalation in the Middle East. According to sources from the Reuters agency, Iran has assured the United States will respond thoughtfully to avoid triggering a significant escalation.

The Israel National News website notes that while the United States anticipates an Iranian attack on Israel, it is not expected to be of a magnitude that would draw the USA into conflict.

Damascus raid

On Monday, April 1, Israel conducted a raid on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, resulting in the death of Gen. Mohammad Reza Zahedi, among others. Zahedi was instrumental in the operations of the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Lebanon and Syria. His death is part of a series of incidents targeting IRGC officers, which Iranian media attributes to Israeli efforts to weaken Iran's influence in Syria and Lebanon and disrupt its covert operations.

The attack also claimed the lives of seven IRGC members, including two generals involved in coordinating Iran's military engagements abroad, such as support for groups like the Houthi, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and Hamas. While Israel has not officially acknowledged the strike, it has not denied its involvement either.