The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and Bloomberg, citing intelligence sources, reported that Iran would retaliate against Israel by tomorrow evening.
WSJ stated that Iran plans to respond directly to targets in the south or north of Israel’s borders.
A US official familiar with the matter said that US intelligence reports indicated that Iran would launch a retaliatory attack “probably on Israeli territory” within a day or two, as opposed to Israeli targets elsewhere.
In front of Khamenei for approval
It was claimed that Iranian military officials’ plans for striking targets in Israel, including Haifa Airport and the nuclear facility in Dimona, with medium-range missiles were pending before Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei for approval.
On the other hand, it was noted that Iran and its allies are also considering targeting Israeli diplomatic buildings in the occupied Golan or in the Arab world instead of a direct attack on Israel’s internationally recognised territories.
In 48 hours the attack could take place
Bloomberg, which also reported on the same subject based on Western intelligence sources, stated that attacks on Israel from Iranian territory with drones and precision missiles could take place within 48 hours.
It was noted in the news report that the attack plans have still not been approved by the Iranian leadership, and that the US is making preparations for the defence of Israel and transferring additional military assets to the region.
Iran has the inventory to hit targets 2,000 kilometres away
Experts predict that any retaliation against Israel would likely be a combination of missiles and drones based on Iran’s current capabilities, pointing out that Iran “has a significant inventory of ballistic and cruise missiles capable of hitting targets 2,000 kilometres from its borders”.
On 1 April, Israel launched an airstrike on the consulate building located in Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus. In the attack, a total of 7 people from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Army, 2 of whom were in the rank of general, were killed.
Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei stated that Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus meant an attack on his country’s territory and said, “The evil regime made a mistake, it should be punished and will be punished”.
US President Joe Biden had also stated that they would continue to provide “unwavering” support to Tel Aviv in the face of Iran’s threats to attack Israel.
