Several signs indicate a new resurgence in the direct conflict between Iran and Israel. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered the country’s Supreme National Security Council to prepare to attack Israel. The New York Times reported this, citing three Iranian officials. Khamenei, writes the American newspaper, took the decision after examining a detailed report by military commanders on the extent of the damage caused by last week’s Israeli raid on the country’s missile production capacity, the air defense systems around Tehran, the critical energy infrastructure and a port located in the south. The scale of Israel’s attack and the four Iranian soldiers killed in the airstrikes are “too great to ignore” and according to the officials cited, “failure to respond would mean admitting defeat.”
Tehran had previously promised a “harsh response” to the Israeli attack on its military facilities. “The Zionist regime’s recent action in attacking parts of our country was a desperate move, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will respond harshly,” said Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, a senior adviser to Khamenei. This was reported by the Tasnim news agency, cited by Al Jazeera. General Hossein Salami, head of the Revolutionary Guard Corps, also spoke of an “unimaginable” response to Israel. “Israel has reached the stage of collapse and these days it acts blindly, without respecting any rules, committing all kinds of crimes,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence believes that Iran is preparing to attack the Jewish state from Iraqi territory in the coming days, possibly before the US presidential elections scheduled for November 5. Two Israeli sources reported this to Axios, according to which Israeli intelligence believes the attack should be conducted using a large number of drones and ballistic missiles. Launching an attack through pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and not directly from Iranian territory – the news portal notes – could be an attempt by Iran to avoid another Israeli retaliation, the third, against strategic targets in the Islamic Republic .
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**Interview with Dr. Amir Farhadi, Middle East Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Farhadi. Recent reports indicate a significant escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel. Can you give us an overview of the current situation?
**Dr. Farhadi:** Thank you for having me. Yes, the situation is indeed tense. Following recent Israeli airstrikes that targeted key military facilities in Iran, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly authorized preparations for a retaliatory attack. This marks a potential turning point in what has been a mostly covert conflict and indicates a willingness for more direct confrontation.
**Editor:** Interesting. The sources suggest that Khamenei’s decision was influenced by military evaluations of the recent Israeli attacks. What does this indicate about the internal pressures facing the Iranian leadership?
**Dr. Farhadi:** It shows that the leadership is under significant pressure to respond. The loss of military assets and personnel, combined with the public outcry for a strong response, could jeopardize their credibility. For Khamenei, failing to respond could be interpreted as a sign of weakness, potentially emboldening both domestic dissent and external adversaries.
**Editor:** Considering these threats of “harsh responses,” how do you foresee this affecting the broader geopolitical landscape in the region?
**Dr. Farhadi:** An escalation in hostilities could draw in regional players and complicate relationships, particularly among U.S. allies in the Gulf. Additionally, it could affect global oil markets and add to the already tense climate surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. A new cycle of violence could also lead to unintended consequences, such as heightened civilian casualties and international condemnation.
**Editor:** The rhetoric from Iranian officials has been particularly aggressive, with talk of an “unimaginable” response. How credible do you believe these threats are, and what might such a response entail?
**Dr. Farhadi:** The threats are certainly intended to rally domestic support and demonstrate resolve, but the specifics of the response will likely depend on strategic calculations. While Iran has capabilities to strike back, they must weigh the risks of wider conflict—especially considering their already strained economy and international sanctions. A measured response could involve asymmetric warfare tactics rather than direct military confrontation.
**Editor:** Lastly, what should the international community, particularly the United States and Europe, be doing in response to these developments?
**Dr. Farhadi:** The U.S. and its allies need to engage in proactive diplomacy to de-escalate tensions. This includes opening channels for dialogue with both Israel and Iran to prevent miscalculations that could lead to war. Supporting regional stability initiatives and reassuring allies without alienating others will be crucial in the coming weeks.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Farhadi, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation is complex and fluid. We will continue to monitor these developments closely.
