The White House announced on Tuesday that US intelligence has indicated that Iran is preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel in the near future. A senior official said, “The US has received indications that Iran is preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel soon. We are actively supporting defensive preparations to protect Israel from this threat. A direct military attack by Iran on Israel would have serious consequences for Iran.
According to the US official, the US is ready to help intercept any missiles that may be directed at Israel, similar to the support it provided in April when Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel, most of which were successfully intercepted.
In response to the rising tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened security meetings with what he called “Iran’s axis of evil”.
Although details regarding the scale of a potential Iranian attack remain unclear, tensions have risen significantly in recent weeks. The escalation in hostilities coincides with Israel intensifying operations against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Notably, Israel launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon on Monday aimed at targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
This possible Iranian strike is expected shortly after Israel’s military incursion into southern Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah. Iran is seeking revenge after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran two months ago.
The United States is “closely tracking developments in the Middle East” and is “committed to Israel’s defense,” Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said Tuesday.
We are monitoring these developments, as I said, we are watching very carefully at the moment,” Blinken said in a brief discussion with his Moroccan counterpart. Blinken made no specific reference to Iran or a possible attack.
This story is breaking and will be updated.