Escalating Conflict: US and Allies on Alert Amid Iranian Threats
The United States anticipates that Iran will conduct strikes against multiple targets in Israel in the upcoming days and stands ready to aid in intercepting any weapons aimed at its ally.
This insight comes from sources briefed by CNN, revealing the Biden administration's heightened vigilance for what may unfold as a notably volatile and unpredictable period in the Middle East.
President Joe Biden forecasted on Friday that Iran's attacks would happen "sooner or later" and endeavoured to reiterate a stern public admonition, stating his message to Tehran was straightforward: "No."
The beginning of a state conflict between Iran and Israel would signify a grave escalation in the region—a scenario the US has aimed to evade since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October.
The US has noted Iran's internal relocation of military assets, such as drones and cruise missiles, indicating its preparedness to strike Israeli targets from its own soil, as reported by individuals acquainted with US intelligence.
It remained unclear whether Iran was gearing up to launch an initial strike from its territory or if it was preparing to deter Israel or the US from potentially retaliating on its soil.
On Friday, at the White House, Biden—addressing reporters' inquiries, including whether US troops faced jeopardy—underscored his administration's dedication to Israel's security.
A "real," "credible," and "viable" threat persists for Iran to initiate strikes, the White House declared on Friday, subsequent to Israel's assault on an Iranian diplomatic facility in Syria last week, resulting in the deaths of three Iranian generals.
The US and several other nations, including the UK and France, have issued fresh travel advisories for government personnel in Israel amid the escalating Iranian threat.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has conversed with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China, and Saudi Arabia to implore them to urge Iran not to escalate the Middle East conflict after Iran's threats against Israel, stated State Department spokesman Matthew Miller on Thursday.
Simultaneously, France has cautioned its citizens to "refrain" from travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories due to the risk of "military escalation."
It is noteworthy that on the night of April 12, numerous rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel, a fact confirmed by the Israeli military. According to them, all rockets were intercepted.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
