Iran signals ‘calibrated’ retaliation to Israeli strike

Officials who were briefed on the discussions have revealed that Iran has conveyed a message to both its allies and western nations that it intends to take revenge for the suspected Israeli air strike on its Damascus consulate in a measured way to ensure that a full-fledged conflict in the region is avoided.

According to a source who received information about discussions between Iran and Oman, a Gulf nation that has frequently aided in secret discussions between Tehran and Washington, it is improbable that Tehran will aim at Israeli diplomatic buildings in the area.

Officials who were informed about the situation have reported that the US intelligence regarding any expected attack is thorough and clear. This provides Israel with an opportunity to ready themselves and their defences.

In Washington on Friday, President Joe Biden declared his anticipation for an impending Iranian assault on Israel to occur soon. He also offered a straightforward recommendation to Tehran, advising them to refrain from taking any such hostile actions.

Biden expressed his dedication to protecting Israel by providing assistance in their defense. He affirmed his determination to support Israel by ensuring that Iran will not be victorious in its attempt to harm them.

The attack on Iran's diplomatic compound in Syria on April 1 - which Israel has yet to acknowledge - has caused a significant escalation in tensions between the two countries. This raises the concern that their ongoing covert conflict could develop into an overt confrontation.

The top ruler of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has promised on two separate occasions to cause Israel to feel remorseful for their actions in killing Mohammad Reza Zahedi. Zahedi served as the commander of Iran’s Quds force in Syria and Lebanon. He was one of seven military officials who were killed in what Iran claims was an attack on their "territory".

This week, Iran engaged in diplomatic discussions with its allies in the region as well as European countries. As a result, some officials from Western nations believe that Iran plans to respond by showcasing its ability to deter while also displaying restraint.

According to an individual within the government in Tehran, they are willing to wait for the right moment to make a powerful political statement with their response. They mentioned that Iran is intentionally causing uncertainty and keeping Israel on high alert in order to wear them down. They also stated that Iran will use multiple methods to attack Israel, but did not give any specifics.

The Israeli government is feeling worried about what Iran might do next, which is making people feel anxious. The government is cautioning citizens not to stockpile generators and important items.

There are a few reasons why Iran may decide not to attack an Israeli diplomatic mission. A certain person who represents a western country mentioned that Iran does not want to face any more international isolation by attacking Israeli targets in a country that is on friendly terms with Israel. Furthermore, it may be difficult for Iran to strike Israeli diplomatic properties in places where they are not well-liked. This is going to be a challenge for Iran, as it restricts their options.

A Western official suggested that even if there was an attack on Israel, it would likely be carried out in a way that shows resistance but avoids provoking a response from Israel that could result in significant damage to Iranian assets in Syria and Lebanon. However, the official did issue a warning that there is a risk of miscalculations occurring.

Israel is ready for all kinds of attacks, including those from medium-range rockets and drones by Iranian-controlled militias in Lebanon and Syria, as well as long-range missiles launched from distant places.

Although Israel and Iran have a longstanding animosity towards each other, they have not yet engaged in a direct confrontation by launching attacks from their own territories. The only instance this occurred was in 2018 when Iran's military forces, stationed in Syria, initiated an attack on Israel.

For many years, Iran has been strengthening its military presence in Lebanon and Syria. However, it has not yet used this military force against Israel. Additionally, Iran has purposely avoided confronting Israel directly. Despite numerous assassinations of nuclear and security personnel in Iran, which Iran has accused Israel's Mossad spy agency of being responsible for, Iran has chosen not to retaliate against Israel.

Experts and government officials in the capital of Iran have been cautioning that Benjamin Netanyahu, the leader of Israel, has been attempting to provoke a direct conflict with Iran, something that the Iranian administration has been trying to prevent.

High-ranking Israeli leaders have issued a warning that they won't just defend themselves, they'll take aggressive action against any attack. They've made it clear that this would involve striking Iran directly in the event Israel is subject to an attack launched from Iranian territory.

On Thursday, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, declared that anyone who causes us harm will receive harm in return.

According to officials from Western countries, Israel could possibly withstand an assault that only caused minor harm to its military installations. However, if the attack results in the death or injury of civilians or military personnel, then Israel would likely initiate a larger military response.

On Friday evening, Netanyahu called a special meeting of the Israeli war cabinet in preparation for any potential attack launched by Iran. This meeting is unusual because it was held before Sabbath. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss contingency planning.

An official from Israel has stated that they, along with the United States, have increased their military presence in the region to prevent any potential attacks from Iran and its supporters on military sites located in the northern border regions of Israel. The majority of the civilian population in these areas have already been removed as a precautionary measure.

The highest commander for the US military in the Middle East, Gen Michael Kurilla, is currently in Israel for meetings with top Israeli defence and military officials. The aim of these meetings is to plan and prepare for a potential military retaliation if necessary. Additionally, the US defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, spoke with his Israeli counterpart on Thursday night to emphasize that the US stands fully behind Israel in defending itself against any potential Iranian attacks. This information was confirmed by officials at the Pentagon.

The Aerial Defense Array in Israel has received reinforcements in staff and equipment, particularly in the form of the Iron Dome, which can take down short-range rockets, along with David's Sling and Arrow, created to provide protection against long-range missile attacks. Most Israeli military units have ceased granting vacations.

American authorities reported that they had redeployed more military resources in that area as a precautionary measure regarding any prospective retaliation.

According to a government representative from the Western region who was informed about Iran's communications with its allies in the area, it is likely that Iran could unveil a new missile proficiency, showing off its technological abilities and extending its impact, which would demonstrate its ability to teach Israel a lesson.

Last Friday, the state news agency IRNA made known a list of Iranian unmanned air machines capable of covering the 1,600-kilometre journey from Tehran to Tel Aviv.