Iran and its allies are expected to launch a large-scale attack on Israel within the next few days following the assassination of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, US officials have reportedly told the media.
According to CNN, US President Joe Biden’s administration is preparing for Iranian retaliation against Israel that could also potentially target American forces. Similar reports have also been shared by Axios, citing three US officials who believe that Iran’s response is imminent and could also involve the Lebanese Hezbollah group.
Haniyeh, one of the top figures of the Gaza-based militant group and the head of its political bureau, was murdered on Wednesday while staying in the Iranian capital. Hamas says the official was taken out by a missile strike on his residence in Tehran. The New York Times, however, has claimed that the murder was carried out using an explosive device planted inside Haniyeh’s guesthouse.
Both Hamas and Iran have blamed Israel for the attack and have promised revenge on the Jewish state. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has said it is Tehran’s “duty” to avenge the murder of Haniyeh, and promised “harsh punishment” for Israel following the assassination.
Iran has also stated that the US bears partial responsibility for the brazen attack, given that it has been a “supporter and accomplice” of Israel.
West Jerusalem has neither confirmed nor denied its responsibility for the assassination, while the US has insisted that it was not aware and had no part in the murder plot.
“We expect a few rough days,” one official told Axios as the Pentagon and US Central Command reportedly start preparations to defend Israel against an incoming Iranian assault. These preparations supposedly involve US military assets in the Gulf, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Red Sea.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also stated in a press briefing on Thursday that Israel’s international partners had been boosting their forces in the region in order to help counter a possible attack.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also told the media during a briefing that the Biden administration was making intensive efforts to deter a broader war in the region and de-escalate tensions through diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Reuters has reported that top Iranian officials are set to convene in Tehran with their allies from Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen to discuss the potential retaliation against Israel for the killing of Haniyeh.
The Hamas official is set to be buried in the city of Lusail, north of the Qatari capital of Doha, on Friday.