An Iranian Shahed-136 drone is launched during a military exercise in Iran, December 2021. (Screenshot: X)
Iran could launch strikes against Israel within the next 24 to 48 hours in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital, Damascus, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on April 11.
At least 13 people were killed in the attack on the embassy, which Tehran and Damascus both said was carried out by Israel.
Seven Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) members were among the victims, including two senior commanders of the Quds Force, Brigadier Generals Mohammad Reza Zahedi and his deputy Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi.
Citing United States intelligence reports, an American official told The Wall Street Journal that Iran could launch retaliatory strikes within days, “possibly on Israeli soil” as opposed to Israeli interests elsewhere.
The strike could come within the next 24 to 48 hours, the unnamed official said, adding that the Israeli military was preparing for a possible attack on either southern or northern Israel.
However, the same report also quoted a person briefed by the Iranian leadership as saying that no final decision has been taken by Tehran.
Quoting an IRGC advisor, earlier in the week, the Guards provided Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with several options to strike Israeli interests. One of the options was a direct attack on Israel with sophisticated medium-range missiles, the advisor said.
Khamenei has yet to decide on the plans. According to The Wall Street Journal, he is concerned a direct attack could backfire with the projectiles being intercepted and Israel responding with a massive retaliation on Iran’s strategic infrastructure.
“The strike plans are in front of the Supreme Leader and he is still weighing the political risk,” the adviser told the WSJ.
Another report published by CBS News on April 12 said that a major retaliatory attack by Iran on Israel could come as soon as today.
Citing two unnamed U.S. officials, the news network said that the attack could possibly include more than 100 drones and dozens of missiles aimed at military targets inside Israel. Tehran might opt for a smaller-scale strike in order to avoid a dramatic escalation.
Israel has been on high alert amid multiple threats and intelligence assessments that Iran is planning to retaliate against the attack on its embassy in Damascus.
Senior Israeli officials, including the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, have already warned Tehran that Iran will hit back.
Despite efforts by some the United Kingdom and some European countries to calm down Iran and contain the situation, Tehran will likely retaliate in order to re-establish deterrence with Israel. If the attack on the embassy goes unpunished, the next Israel strike could target Iranian territory.
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