Iran is anticipated to launch an attack on Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to an exclusive report by the Wall Street Journal on Thursday.
The report suggests that Israel is preparing for a direct assault on either the northern or southern regions of Iran.
Citing an individual briefed by Iranian regime officials, the report indicates that although attack plans have been discussed, no final decision has been made.
This anticipated attack is believed to be in response to an alleged Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, which resulted in the deaths of several members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force. Tehran publicly threatened retaliation following the attack.
A previous report from Bloomberg on Wednesday, based on US intelligence reports, suggested that the US and its allies anticipate an imminent Iranian attack on Israel.
However, the Wall Street Journal’s source suggests that the attack could occur within Israel’s borders.
Earlier this week, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) presented options to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei regarding potential strikes on Israeli interests.
Recent social media activity associated with the IRGC has showcased simulated missile attacks on Israel’s Haifa airport in the north and its Dimona nuclear facility in the south.
The report also highlights Khamenei’s concern about the potential consequences of an attack, including the possibility of Israeli retaliation targeting Iranian strategic infrastructure.
Various scenarios for an Iranian attack are mentioned, including utilizing proxies in Iraq and Syria or targeting Iranian embassies in Arab countries.
In response to these developments, Israel has made it clear that it will retaliate against any Iranian aggression.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a visit to the Tel Nof Air Base, “Whoever harms us, we will harm them.” Israel’s spokesperson Rear-Adm. Daniel Hagari emphasized that Israel is on high alert and preparedness.
Additionally, Israel has threatened to disrupt Iran’s cyber infrastructure. The US Embassy in Israel has instructed its staff not to travel outside specific areas amid the Iranian threat, while French, German, and British officials have urged Iran to refrain from attacking Israel.
Earlier in the week, Iranian nuclear scientist Mahmoud Reza Aghamiri remarked that constructing a nuclear weapon is not a complex task for a nation like Iran.
