Washington is on high alert as it anticipates a retaliatory response from Iran after the recent killing of a top Hamas leader in Tehran. The uncertainty surrounding the timing and extent of Iran's potential retaliation has put US officials on edge.
Multiple sources indicate that the US expects Iran to retaliate against Israel for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, with concerns that the response could come within the next 24 hours. However, predicting Iran's actions has proven challenging due to the movement of military assets earlier this year, complicating intelligence assessments.
The Biden administration is actively monitoring the situation and working to rally allies to prevent further escalation. The recent killings of Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Fu’ad Shukr have heightened tensions in the region, raising fears of a broader conflict involving the United States.
In preparation for potential Iranian retaliation, US destroyers have been strategically positioned closer to Israel. The USS Laboon and USS Cole have been relocated to the Red Sea, ready to respond to any threats posed by Iran or its proxies.
President Biden and Vice President Harris have met with national security officials to address the threats posed by Iran and its allies. Efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions and prevent a full-scale conflict.
The US has been engaging with diplomatic partners to urge Iran to avoid further escalation. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of preventing an escalation that would not serve the interests of any party in the region.
While the situation remains fluid, the US is working to prevent a repeat of the April attacks when Iran launched drones and missiles at Israel. The current intelligence landscape presents challenges, but efforts are underway to avert a potential crisis.
