U.S. officials have issued warnings about a potential retaliatory strike from Iran against Israel, suggesting that such an attack could occur as soon as “this week.” The White House has indicated that the U.S. must prepare for what could be a “significant” assault.
These warnings coincide with heightened U.S. military presence in the Middle East, and officials have publicly announced military maneuvers, which they believe will deter Iran and help reduce tensions. Among these moves is the expedited deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the guided missile submarine USS Georgia to the region.
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby confirmed that U.S. assessments align with those of Israel regarding the possibility of an Iranian attack occurring imminently. He stated, “We share the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here, could be this week.” This assessment precedes recent strikes, where a Hezbollah commander and a Hamas political leader were killed, raising fears of Iranian retaliation against Israel.
In light of the escalating situation, President Joe Biden has consulted with leaders from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom to discuss strategies regarding the increasing tensions and the bolstered U.S. military presence. Kirby expressed confidence in the U.S. capability to defend Israel if necessary and emphasized ongoing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation.
U.S. officials have stressed that announcements regarding military deployments serve as deterrents to Iran, showcasing American military readiness. Recent months have seen successful interception of Iranian drones and missiles by U.S. and Israeli defense systems, further motivating U.S. preparations.
The USS Georgia, equipped with 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles, is also part of the U.S. strategic posture aimed at signaling potential offensive capabilities. Meanwhile, additional squadrons of Air Force F-22s and Navy F/A-18s are being sent to enhance military options in the area as needed.
The USS Lincoln is currently in the South China Sea and is expected to take time to reach the Middle East. Its arrival will provide more operational capacity as the situation evolves. Kirby highlighted that the aim is to prevent Israel from facing another significant attack like in April but affirmed the U.S. commitment to assist if required.
The State Department continues its diplomatic campaign to encourage Iran to restrain any retaliatory actions. Officials express cautious optimism that Iran will limit its response to avoid jeopardizing ongoing ceasefire negotiations involving the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar.
The atmosphere remains tense as Hamas has declared it will not participate in the upcoming negotiations, complicating efforts to mediate a resolution. Meanwhile, a public disagreement between Israeli leaders regarding support for hostage negotiations and ceasing hostilities could further complicate messaging to Iran. However, officials remain hopeful that diplomatic talks can progress toward a resolution.