Tehran: After the attack by Israel last Saturday, Tehran is also going to retaliate. Preparations are being made for a retaliatory attack from Iran and this attack will be carried out before the US presidential elections i.e. by November 5. Vianetnews has made this claim quoting CNN report. In the report, an Iranian source has claimed that Iran will give a ‘strong’ reaction to Israel’s recent attack on its soil before the US presidential elections. Presidential elections in America are to be held on this Tuesday i.e. November 5. In such a situation, according to this report based on sources, Iran can attack Israel within the next four days. There has been a strong reaction from Israel to the reports claiming attack from Iran. Israeli officials have said that if there is any attack from Iran then they will get double the response.
America assured help to Israel
America has once again appealed to Iran not to attack Israel. White House spokesperson Karin Jeanpierre said in response to a question in this regard, ‘Iran should not take any action against Israel. If they do so, we will support the defense of Israel. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on this that Iran does not need to give any answer. We have continuously appealed not to escalate the conflict.
After the attacks by Israel on Saturday night, senior Iranian officials had said that Tehran has the right to respond to these attacks ‘at the appropriate time’. Many army officers, including Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Commander Hossein Salami, have also spoken of taking revenge for these attacks. While Iran has talked about retaliation, it has also given indications that it may move towards preventing the conflict from escalating by choosing not to retaliate.
The final decision on Iran’s retaliatory attack on Israel has to be taken by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. It is believed that Khamenei wants to avoid a full-scale war with Israel and America. Even after the attack, Khamenei had said in his statement that Israel’s action should not be exaggerated nor should this attack be underestimated.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Middle East Expert Dr. Sarah Alavi
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Alavi. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent developments between Iran and Israel. Your insights will be invaluable.
Dr. Sarah Alavi: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment in the region, and I appreciate the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. The reports suggest that Iran is preparing for a retaliatory attack against Israel before the upcoming US presidential elections on November 5. What do you think is motivating this urgency?
Dr. Alavi: The timing is indeed significant. Iran often uses geopolitical events, such as the US elections, to project power and influence. By launching a retaliatory attack now, they might aim to shift the narrative, showcase their resistance against Israeli actions, and assert themselves on the global stage. It’s also about domestic politics, demonstrating strength to their populace which may rally around such actions.
Editor: Interesting point. You mentioned the US elections—how might the outcome impact Iran’s strategy?
Dr. Alavi: Historically, the US administration has had a profound influence on Iran’s foreign policy calculations. If President Biden is re-elected, Iran may perceive a continuation of diplomatic pressure. Conversely, if a more hardline candidate emerges, Tehran might feel emboldened to act more aggressively, believing it can confront perceived threats with less risk of US intervention.
Editor: The article quotes Iranian sources claiming a “strong” reaction to Israel. What does that imply for the stability of the region?
Dr. Alavi: A “strong” reaction could manifest in various forms—whether direct military action, proxy warfare, or cyber-attacks. Each of these carries significant risk for escalation. An immediate military response could lead to a larger conflict, drawing in regional and global powers, further destabilizing an already volatile landscape.
Editor: Given the complex web of alliances and enmities in the region, how should the international community be responding?
Dr. Alavi: The international community must tread carefully. Diplomatic engagements focusing on de-escalation are critical. Involving mediators or neutral parties could help cool tensions. Additionally, there should be an emphasis on addressing underlying issues, such as humanitarian concerns and regional grievances, to foster long-term stability.
Editor: That sounds pragmatic, but do you think there’s a realistic chance for constructive dialogue given the current hostilities?
Dr. Alavi: Dialogue is always challenging in such intense circumstances, especially with mutual distrust. However, it’s important to remember that direct confrontation usually leads to widespread suffering and that both sides, at some point, may recognize the need to communicate. Historical precedents show that when tensions are high, sometimes backchannels can be unexpectedly effective.
Editor: Dr. Alavi, what do you foresee for the next few weeks leading up to the elections?
Dr. Alavi: Given the escalating rhetoric and the looming election, I expect heightened tensions. There may be symbolic gestures from Iran to assert their position, but whether this translates into direct military action is uncertain. Much will depend on regional actors and the US’s response in the coming days.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Alavi. Your insights have provided clarity on a very complex situation. We’ll certainly be keeping an eye on these developments as they unfold.
Dr. Alavi: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to stay informed about these dynamics as they evolve.