The White House's national security spokesperson, John Kirby, cautioned on Monday of potential imminent large-scale attacks orchestrated by Iran or its proxies in the Middle East, possibly as soon as this week. The United States, he confirmed, has taken preparatory measures in anticipation of such events. Kirby highlighted that Washington has bolstered its military presence in the region, reflecting shared apprehensions with Israel regarding a possible Iranian-backed assault. These concerns are fueled by allegations surrounding Iran and Hamas against Israel, particularly after the reported assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month.
“We align with our Israeli partners' concerns and anticipate a similar timeframe for potential hostilities,” Kirby conveyed to the media. “It could very well be this week. We must be ready for what could be a substantial series of attacks,” he asserted.
Israel Prepares for Retaliation
Israel is on high alert, preparing for a significant retaliatory strike following its recent airstrike that resulted in the death of senior Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. This Israeli action was a response to a missile attack that claimed the lives of 12 young individuals in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Just a day after the Beirut strike, the political leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, was reportedly assassinated in Tehran, triggering Iranian threats of reprisal against Israel.
“We certainly don't wish to see Israel forced into another defensive stance like in April. However, if that scenario unfolds, we stand ready to support Israel in its self-defense efforts,” Kirby stated.
US Deploys Naval Assets Amid Escalation in Isreal Iran war
In response to the growing tensions, the Pentagon announced on Sunday that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. Additionally, the Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is set to expedite its deployment to the region. Nevertheless, Reuters, citing a U.S. official, reported that the Lincoln carrier strike group, currently near the South China Sea, would require over a week to reach the Middle East.
Meanwhile, oil prices surged by more than 3% on Monday, marking the fifth consecutive day of increases, driven by the looming threat of a broader Middle Eastern conflict that could further tighten global crude supplies. Simultaneously, Israeli forces persisted in their operations near Khan Younis in southern Gaza, amid international efforts to broker a ceasefire and prevent an escalation into a wider regional conflict involving Iran and its allies.
