Iran is warning through diplomatic channels that it is preparing a military response against Israel that would involve the use of “more powerful” weapons in response to the recent Israeli attack on Iranian military installations. Israel’s punitive airstrike against Iran on October 26 shattered Iran’s strategic air defenses, leaving the country highly exposed, according to the Wall Street Journal, and killing five people. Israel has so far refrained from striking Iranian oil and nuclear facilities, which are essential to the country’s economy and security, but that calculus could change, according to Israeli officials. «Iran has privately warned of a strong and complex response. Our military has lost people, so they have to respond,” an Egyptian official said, as reported by the WSJ without identifying him.
He added that Iran could use Iraqi territory as part of the operation and would likely attack Israeli military installations “much more aggressively than last time.” Iran does not intend to limit its response to missiles and drones, as it did in the two previous attacks, and any missiles used could have more powerful warheads, Iranian and Arab officials said. The US presidential election, which will be held on Tuesday, is a factor affecting Iran’s response, an Iranian official said, as the Persian Gulf country does not want to influence the election results with its attack. The official added that the answer will come after Tuesday’s vote, but before the new president takes office in January 2025.
“The attack that Iran is planning against Israel will be the largest in terms of quantity and quality ever carried out,” Iranian sources told the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, based in London. According to the sources, who asked to remain anonymous, after Israel’s attack late last month, Iran began planning an attack and preparations are almost complete.
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**Interview with Dr. Miriam Zadeh, Middle East Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Zadeh. The situation between Iran and Israel is intensifying. Can you explain the implications of Iran’s warning about a military response?
**Dr. Zadeh:** Thank you for having me. The implications are quite serious. Iran’s declaration of a “strong and complex response” signals that it may escalate its military actions against Israel, potentially involving more advanced weaponry. This escalation could lead to a broader conflict that not only impacts the region but also poses risks to global security.
**Editor:** What do you think prompted Iran’s latest warning and their military readiness?
**Dr. Zadeh:** The warning is largely a reaction to Israel’s airstrikes on Iranian military installations, which significantly damaged Iran’s air defenses. Iran is undoubtedly feeling vulnerable, and the loss of personnel in these strikes has created a pressing need for a response to restore its deterrence capability.
**Editor:** You mentioned potential involvement of Iraqi territory. How could this factor into the conflict?
**Dr. Zadeh:** Utilizing Iraqi territory would allow Iran to execute its attacks with greater reach and surprise. It could also potentially draw Iraq into the conflict, complicating the regional dynamics further. This would not only heighten tensions between Iran and Israel but could also involve other regional players.
**Editor:** What do Israeli officials think about Iran’s potential escalation, especially regarding critical infrastructure like oil and nuclear facilities?
**Dr. Zadeh:** Israeli officials have expressed concern that as the situation escalates, they may reconsider their restraint regarding Iranian oil and nuclear facilities. Targeting these critical infrastructures could be viewed as a necessary step to weaken Iran’s military capabilities and economic resilience, which could provoke a very severe retaliation.
**Editor:** with the U.S. presidential election approaching, how might that influence this conflict?
**Dr. Zadeh:** The timing is crucial. U.S. foreign policy could shift dramatically depending on the election outcome, potentially impacting support for Israel or engagement with Iran. Any perceived vacuum could embolden Iran to act more aggressively, sensing that the U.S. may either withdraw support or alter its stance towards military engagements in the region.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Zadeh, for your insights on this pressing issue.
**Dr. Zadeh:** Thank you for having me. It’s essential to stay vigilant as developments unfold in this volatile region.
