The United States is on high alert following an Israeli strike on the Iranian embassy in Syria, amidst concerns of potential retaliation from Iran targeting both Israeli and American assets in the region, according to a US official.
The strike, carried out by Israeli warplanes in Damascus, resulted in the death of senior Iranian military commanders and seven Iranian military advisors, including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, the senior commander of the Quds Force, as reported by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors in the Middle East.
US President Joe Biden held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the looming threat of retaliatory attacks by Iran. Following these talks, both countries have remained in close communication, with US officials expressing concerns about the potential for Iranian counterattacks.
Reports from CBS News suggest that Iran is preparing a counterattack, possibly utilizing Shahed loitering drones and cruise missiles. The timing and target of such an attack remain uncertain, but experts speculate that it may occur before the end of Ramadan next week.
US and Israeli officials believe that an Iranian response is “inevitable,” prompting heightened vigilance and preparation for potential strikes. However, there is uncertainty surrounding Iran’s specific course of action.
In response to these developments, the Israeli government is reportedly considering the construction of bunkers as a precautionary measure against reprisals from Iran. Additionally, the Israeli army has deployed reserve soldiers to its Aerial Defense Array to bolster defenses against potential Iranian retaliation.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s top advisor issued a stern warning to the United States, urging Washington to refrain from involvement in the conflict between Iran and Israel. However, the US has requested that Iran refrain from targeting American facilities in any retaliatory actions.
The situation remains tense as both sides brace for further escalation, with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah asserting that Iran’s response to the Israeli strike is “inevitable.” The region remains on edge as the possibility of further hostilities looms large.
