Iran Prepares for Military Response to Potential Israeli Attack Amid Warnings of Widespread Escalation

26th October 2024

2 minutes read

Iran Prepares for Military Response to Potential Israeli Attack Amid Warnings of Widespread Escalation

In anticipation of a looming Israeli attack, Iran has ordered its armed forces to be fully prepared for war, while attempting to avoid it, following the devastation witnessed in its allies in Lebanon and Gaza. This move comes with Iranian assurances of the importance of a military response, though Tehran acknowledges that any escalation must be calculated and cautious, as reported by The New York Times.

Preparation Scenarios

Four Iranian officials have confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has instructed the military to develop various plans to counter any potential Israeli attack.

They noted that the scale of Iran’s response will match the intensity of Israeli strikes. If Israeli strikes are extensive and result in significant casualties, Iran’s response will be severe. Conversely, if Israeli strikes are limited to some military bases or missile and drone depots, Tehran may refrain from a violent retaliation.

The officials stated that Khamenei directed a mandatory response if Israel targeted oil installations or energy infrastructure, nuclear sites, or attempted to assassinate high-ranking Iranian figures.

The officials, including two members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, disclosed that the potential response to any major Israeli attack could involve the launch of up to a thousand ballistic missiles, alongside increased attacks by Iran-supported armed groups in the region, and disruptions to global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf, potentially paralyzing shipping routes.

Iranian Warning

According to the newspaper, despite the escalation, Iran publicly asserts it does not wish to enter a war, but severe Israeli military attacks would challenge its leadership, which seeks to avoid appearing weak, especially after Israel’s assassinations of several Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, whom Iran regards as integral to its defense strategy.

During his participation in the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi stated that “Iran’s response to any Israeli attack will be proportionate and measured,” pointing out the challenges currently facing Iran and the necessity of avoiding widespread escalation.

Nasser Imani, a political analyst close to the Iranian government, added, “If the Israeli attack is symbolic and limited, it may be better for us not to respond intensively, as Iran truly does not wish to enter a major war with Israel, seeing no benefit in igniting the situation in the region.”

Fears of a Widespread War

The newspaper emphasizes that attention is turning to the potential regional repercussions of this conflict, as a full-scale war between Iran and Israel could lead to further chaos in the region, eliminate hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, and might push the United States to intervene militarily in support of Israel.

In recent weeks, Iran has intensified its diplomatic efforts to strengthen alliances with regional Arab countries, warning them that any potential support for Israel could make them legitimate targets.