Iran has officially requested the United States to refrain from involvement as they formulate a reaction to a suspected Israeli assault on their consulate in Syria. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, acting as Iran’s primary proxy in the Middle East, has issued a warning to Israel, indicating their readiness for conflict.
In a formal communication addressed to Washington, Iran cautioned the US against falling into what they perceive as a trap set by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mohammad Jamshidi, the Iranian president’s deputy chief of staff for political affairs, emphasized the importance of the US staying out of the situation to avoid any potential repercussions.
Conversely, Jamshidi revealed that the US has urged Iran to avoid targeting American interests in any retaliatory actions.
CNN has reported that the United States is currently on high alert and making preparations for a significant response from Iran. This response is expected to target either Israeli or American assets in the region. The information was provided by an unnamed US official.
NBC, on the other hand, has cited two unnamed US officials who claim that the Biden administration is particularly concerned about a potential attack within Israel. The focus of this attack would be military or intelligence targets rather than civilians.
In an unusual move, the Biden administration directly communicated with Iran to express its unawareness of the strike that occurred in Damascus on Monday, according to Bloomberg. This action suggests that the US is trying to prevent any potential attacks on its own forces and bases in the Middle East.
The Islamic Republic has previously stated its intention to deliver a “slap” to Israel, its longstanding enemy. However, it remains uncertain when this will occur and whether Iran will directly target Israel or utilize one of its proxy groups, such as Hezbollah based in Lebanon.
The recent airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus resulted in the deaths of at least seven Iranians, including two generals. While Israel has previously targeted Iran-linked assets in Syria, this was the first time an attack was carried out on an Iranian diplomatic building.
In response to the escalating tensions, Israel has heightened its state of alertness. This includes canceling home leave for combat troops, mobilizing reserves, and reinforcing air defenses. Additionally, Israel has taken measures to disrupt GPS-navigated drones or missiles that may be launched towards the country by scrambling navigational signals over Tel Aviv.
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has confirmed that a response from Iran is imminent. However, he stated that his group will not interfere in Iran’s decision-making process.
Nasrallah, who resides in hiding, emphasized the coordinated efforts of Iran’s resistance groups in the region.
Hezbollah, known as the most powerful militia in the Middle East, has declared that it has not yet utilized its primary arsenal in the ongoing skirmishes with Israel along the southern border of Lebanon.
