The United States is reportedly preparing for potential aggression from Iran, as indicated by senior officials in the Biden administration.
A senior administration official stated, “The President and the Prime Minister of Israel discussed these threats yesterday (as referenced in the White House’s readout).
These concerns arise following Israel’s airstrike on the Iranian Embassy in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the death of a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander and others.
This strike marks the highest-ranking Iranian military figure killed since the U.S. assassination of former IRGC leader Qassem Soleimani.
Iran has openly vowed retaliation for the strike.
“The red line has been crossed,” stated Iranian Ambassador to Syria Hossein Akbari during a broadcast on Iranian state media.
“Iran has never left any crimes of the Zionist regime unanswered. Therefore, the Zionists and their allies should expect a proportional response from Iran, at the appropriate place and time, for the crime they have committed.”
Senior U.S. officials informed CNN that a significant retaliatory attack from Iran is expected and deemed inevitable, possibly occurring within a week.
The U.S. asserted that it had no involvement in the airstrike and was only informed of it while it was underway.
In response to the heightened tensions, Israel has taken precautionary measures, including canceling leave for Israel Defense Forces soldiers. IDF officials urged Israeli citizens not to panic.
“There is no need to purchase generators, stockpile food, or withdraw money from ATMs,” wrote IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari on social media. “As we have done until today, any significant changes will be promptly communicated in an official and orderly manner.”
The U.S. and Israel are cooperating closely to defend against potential Iranian attacks, with this issue prominently featured in President Joe Biden’s recent call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Since the Gaza conflict began, Iranian proxies have launched over 170 rocket and missile attacks against U.S. troops stationed in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. These attacks ceased in February after three U.S. soldiers were killed at a base in Jordan.
