US Foresees Iran's Direct Attack on Israel, Despite Biden's Cautionary Remarks.

US Foresees Iran's Direct Attack on Israel, Despite Biden's Cautionary Remarks. 

US government indicate that there is a belief Iran is planning direct attacks on multiple targets within Israel in the near future. The Biden administration is reportedly bracing for this possibility and stands ready to assist in intercepting any weapons aimed at Israel. President Biden has publicly cautioned Iran against such actions, emphasizing a message of "Don't" in response to the anticipated attacks.

If such strikes were to occur, it would signify a significant escalation in the already tense Middle East region, a situation the US has sought to avoid since the Israel-Hamas conflict in October. Intelligence suggests that Iranian proxies may also be involved in these planned attacks, with targets potentially both inside Israel and across the region.

The US has observed movements of Iranian military assets, including drones and cruise missiles, indicating preparations for attacks from within Iranian territory. However, it remains unclear whether these preparations are for an initial offensive or as a deterrent against potential counterattacks.

President Biden has reaffirmed the US commitment to Israel's security, stating that the US will support and defend Israel against any threats from Iran. The White House has acknowledged a real and credible threat of Iranian strikes, particularly following Israel's recent attack on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria.

President Biden is closely monitoring the situation, receiving regular updates from his national security team as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate.

The US, along with Britain and France, has issued updated travel advisories for government personnel in Israel amid growing concerns over potential Iranian threats.

"We're closely monitoring the situation," stated John Kirby, spokesperson for the National Security Council, refraining from disclosing specific details about the timing of the perceived threat.

US naval forces in the Red Sea have previously intercepted missiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen aimed at Israel. Additionally, US forces in Iraq and Syria stand ready to intercept drones and rockets potentially targeting northern Israel, depending on their launch points.

To enhance regional deterrence and safeguard US forces, the Defense Department is deploying additional assets to the Middle East. This proactive measure comes as both Israel and the US brace for the possibility of an Iranian attack.

The Pentagon's focus includes reinforcing air defenses for US troops stationed in Iraq and Syria, who have faced over 100 attacks from Iran-backed groups between October and February. In January, three US service members were killed in an attack at the Tower 22 base in Jordan, highlighting the urgency of bolstering defenses.

While the US does not anticipate direct attacks on its forces by Iran or its proxies as retaliation, precautionary measures are being taken. Kirby emphasized the importance of assessing the US posture in the region to ensure preparedness.

Recent reports from CNN suggest that the US is on heightened alert and actively preparing for potential attacks by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region, with officials indicating such an attack could occur imminently.

Sources say Iran wary of dramatic escalation:

CNN recently reported that Iran might not directly attack Israel but could use its allied forces in the region to do so. Two people familiar with US intelligence shared this information. They said Iran is cautious because it doesn't want to give the US or its allies a reason to attack Iran directly. While Iran hasn't shown signs of planning attacks on US troops or assets, it doesn't have full control over all its allies, so an attack on US assets can't be ruled out. According to these sources, Iran has encouraged several of its allied groups to launch a large-scale attack on Israel using drones and missiles, possibly happening as soon as this week.

This threat is seen as real and serious by US intelligence. President Biden discussed this with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week. If Iran were to directly attack Israel, it would worsen the situation in the Middle East, possibly leading to a broader conflict. Biden is closely monitoring the situation, receiving updates multiple times a day.

US officials are in constant touch with Israeli counterparts to ensure Israel can defend itself. General Erik Kurilla from US Central Command visited Israel earlier than planned due to the expectation of an Iranian response to Israel's recent actions in Syria. US officials have also advised Israel against escalating tensions with Iran.

However, US officials were frustrated because Israel didn't share information before carrying out airstrikes in Syria last week. Israel only informed the US when the planes were already in the air, leaving no time for the US to react or know the targets.

Pressure Diplomatic: 

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced on Thursday that Secretary of State Antony Blinken had conversations with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China, and Saudi Arabia. Blinken urged them to encourage Iran to avoid escalating the conflict in the Middle East, especially after Iran's recent threats against Israel.

Miller also mentioned that the US has been in discussions with European allies regarding the situation with Iran. According to Miller, Blinken has emphasized to every country with ties to Iran the importance of using those connections to send a message to Iran about de-escalation. However, Miller noted that each country would decide independently on any actions they might take in response.

In light of Iran's threats against Israel, the US State Department has imposed travel restrictions on US government personnel in Israel. Until further notice, they are only allowed to travel within certain areas, including greater Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva.

France has also issued travel advisories, urging its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories due to the risk of military escalation. Additionally, the families of French diplomatic staff in Tehran will be brought back to France, and civil servants are prohibited from undertaking work missions to these countries and territories.

These measures were decided upon following a crisis meeting on the region, as stated by the French Foreign Ministry.