New York Times: Khamenei has ordered attack on Israel
The New York Times reports, citing three Iranian officials, that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has instructed the National Security Council to prepare for another attack on Israel.
This decision was made after Khamenei reviewed a report assessing the damages caused by Israeli strikes.
According to these officials, Khamenei’s directive followed a detailed analysis from senior military commanders about the impact on Iran’s missile production capabilities, air defense systems around Tehran, critical energy infrastructure, and a major southern port. The extent of these losses contributed to Khamenei’s decision.
The New York Times notes that Khamenei remarked that the scope of Israel’s attacks, which resulted in at least four military casualties, is significant enough that it cannot be ignored. He believes that failing to respond would equate to accepting defeat.
Military commanders are reportedly compiling a list of dozens of military targets within Israel. However, these attacks are likely to be postponed until after the U.S. elections, as Iran fears that renewed tensions and chaos in the region may benefit former President Donald Trump’s campaign.
Axios previously reported, based on two Israeli sources, that intelligence received by Israeli security agencies indicates that the Islamic Republic is preparing for an attack on Israel. This strike is expected to be launched from Iraqi territory and could occur in the coming days before the U.S. presidential elections.
Axios suggests that conducting the attack from Iran-affiliated militias in Iraq, rather than directly from Iranian soil, may be an attempt by the Islamic Republic to prevent further Israeli strikes on its strategic assets.
Sources from Axios indicate that the planned attack is expected to involve a large number of drones and ballistic missiles launched from Iraq. This strategy reflects Iran’s intention to retaliate without escalating the situation directly from its own territory.
Additionally, the planned Iranian response may involve using drones and ballistic missiles launched by Iranian-affiliated militias based in Iraq. This approach aims to safeguard Iranian strategic assets while retaliating against Israeli operations.
On a broader scale, there is a noticeable shift in Iran’s stance. Statements from Iranian officials indicate that the regime is planning a “decisive and painful” response to Israeli attacks, marking a departure from earlier efforts to downplay the severity of the situation.
The escalating tensions between Iran and Israel are indicative of a dangerous cycle of retaliation and strategic posturing. As both nations prepare for potential confrontations, the situation remains highly volatile, raising concerns about wider regional instability.
The implications of these tensions are particularly significant given the backdrop of upcoming U.S. elections, which could further influence the dynamics of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
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