According to information from a senior American official, the United States has sent Iran a stern warning about the possible consequences of a new attack on Israel.
As a source told Axios, the American side warned Tehran against any actions that could lead to an escalation of tensions in the region.
Washington also made it clear that in the event of a new attack on Israel, the United States will not be able to restrain its retaliatory actions.
According to media reports, the Iranian leadership decided to wait for the results of the US presidential elections, believing that the escalation of the conflict at the moment can only strengthen the position of Donald Trump. In recent days, the situation between Tehran and Tel Aviv has escalated to the limit, and both sides have begun preparing for a possible exchange of blows.
Recent satellite images have shown significant damage to Iran’s Khojir missile complex. The attack sparked a furious reaction among hardliners within Iran, but Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, taking a cautious approach, said a response would be prepared but that Iran would wait until the situation in the United States stabilized.
Khamenei ordered the Supreme National Security Council to develop a strategy that would take into account the possible political and military consequences of retaliatory actions for both Iran and its allies in the region.
The Israeli attack caused significant damage to Iranian defense facilities. In addition to the damage to missile production, several air defense systems, including Russian-made S-300 systems, were reported to have been disabled, which could slow down the solid-fuel missile production program for more than a year. Although Iran described the Israeli attack as a “minor incident”, the widespread destruction suggests serious consequences for its defense capabilities.
The United States, in turn, has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East, sending additional destroyers, B-52 strategic bombers and fighter jets to deter Iran from possible aggression against American or Israeli targets. Pentagon officials confirmed the deployment is to protect allies, and White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the U.S. remains committed to supporting Israel.
However, sources close to Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said Tehran has already prepared a list of targets for retaliatory action in Israel. In addition, the damage caused by the attack on the secret Parchin base, where, according to unconfirmed reports, work on nuclear projects was carried out, increases Iran’s desire for a response.
Title: Tensions in the Middle East: An Interview with Middle East Affairs Expert Dr. Sarah Rahimi
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Rahimi. Recent reports indicate that the United States has issued a stern warning to Iran regarding potential aggression towards Israel. Can you provide us with some insight into the significance of this warning?
Dr. Sarah Rahimi: Thank you for having me. The U.S. warning is a crucial aspect of the ongoing tensions in the region. It signifies Washington’s commitment to its ally, Israel, and aims to deter any potential military actions by Iran that could escalate the conflict. This message is not just about defending Israel; it also serves to reinforce U.S. interests in maintaining stability throughout the Middle East.
Time.news Editor: It seems that Iran is weighing its response based on the upcoming U.S. presidential elections. What do you think their strategic calculations might reveal about their intentions?
Dr. Sarah Rahimi: Iran is undoubtedly cautious at this juncture. The leadership appears to believe that any increased hostilities could bolster Donald Trump’s position if he runs again. There’s this tension between wanting to assert their influence in the region and recognizing the political landscape in the U.S. It’s a balancing act—waiting and observing can sometimes be as strategic as taking immediate action.
Time.news Editor: Notably, there have been recent escalations, including damage to Iran’s Khojir missile complex. How do you see this impacting the Iranian hardliners and their approach moving forward?
Dr. Sarah Rahimi: The attack on Khojir has indeed amplified calls for a more aggressive stance from hardliners in Iran. However, Ayatollah Khamenei’s measured response suggests a preference for strategic patience. He is aware that a hasty response may not serve Iran’s long-term interests. This dynamic creates a complex environment where hardliners push for retaliation while the Supreme Leader remains focused on broader strategic goals.
Time.news Editor: With both Tehran and Tel Aviv preparing for potential retaliatory actions, what do you foresee as the immediate implications for the region?
Dr. Sarah Rahimi: The immediate implications could be quite severe. An exchange of blows would not only escalate military tensions but could also destabilize neighboring countries. We might see a ripple effect that could impact U.S. forces in the region, as well as allies like Saudi Arabia. Therefore, both sides need to tread carefully, as miscalculations could lead to a broader conflict.
Time.news Editor: What role can the international community play in mitigating these tensions?
Dr. Sarah Rahimi: The international community must act as a mediator, encouraging dialogue rather than confrontation. Diplomatic engagement, including the revival of nuclear talks, could prove beneficial. Additionally, allies in the region should promote confidence-building measures to ease fears and reduce the risk of misinterpretation in military posturing.
Time.news Editor: Lastly, how do you assess the likelihood of an escalation versus a diplomatic resolution in the coming weeks?
Dr. Sarah Rahimi: It’s a precarious situation. The likelihood of escalation increases with continued military threats and regional instability. However, if both sides recognize the high costs of war and engage in diplomatic discussions, we might see pathways to de-escalation. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether strategic interests will drive them apart or together.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Rahimi, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that the coming days will be pivotal for both Iran and Israel, along with the broader implications for the Middle East.
Dr. Sarah Rahimi: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope peace prevails as tensions run high.