▲ Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, Supreme Leader of Iran
Iran, which has warned of retaliation for Israel’s recent airstrikes on Iranian territory, is reportedly preparing to attack Israel from within Iraqi territory in the coming days, according to U.S. online media Axios, citing multiple Israeli sources.
The sources reported that Israeli intelligence agencies expect Iran to launch a large-scale attack using drones and ballistic missiles against Israel from Iraq, possibly before the U.S. presidential election.
Regarding this, a U.S. official told Axios that if Iran decides to launch an attack soon, they could prepare rapidly, but the U.S. is not aware of any decision being made.
On October 26, Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military facilities as retaliation for Iran’s missile attack earlier in October.
In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei signaled retaliation, stating that Iran must demonstrate its power to Israel.
However, using restrained expressions, he noted that Israel’s attack should “neither be taken lightly nor exaggerated,” showing a measured response.
Axios pointed out that if Iran attacks Israel indirectly through pro-Iranian militias in Iraq instead of directly from Iranian territory, it might be an attempt to avoid future Israeli retaliations.
Iranian leadership continues to promise revenge.
Mohammad Mohammadi Golpaigani, Chief of Staff to Supreme Leader Khamenei, told Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency that the recent attack on parts of our country by the Zionist regime (Israel) was a desperate move, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond harshly in a way that Israel will regret.
Golpaigani also said on Al-Mayadeen, the propaganda channel of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, that Iran’s retaliation is “certain” and will be powerful.
Earlier, U.S. broadcaster CNN also reported, citing a senior Iranian official, that Iran plans a “definite and painful” response before the U.S. presidential election.
Meanwhile, on the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a speech to new military officers at a training base in southern Israel, stating that Israel can strike anywhere in Iran, and the primary goal of the Israeli military is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized, “The blatant statements of the Iranian regime leaders cannot hide the fact that Israel has more freedom of action in Iran today more than ever,” adding, “We can reach anywhere in Iran if necessary.”
He further added, “The top objective I have presented to the Israeli military and security agencies is to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.”
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)