Iran may retaliate against US strikes within 48 hours: Report
Iran may carry out retaliatory strikes on US forces in the Middle East within the next 24 to 48 hours, according to the latest intelligence cited by US officials in a statement to media.
News Arena Network - Tehran - UPDATED: June 23, 2025, 09:17 PM - 2 min read
Iran's army commander-in-chief Gen. Amir Hatami, center, accompanied by high ranked army commanders, speaks in a video call with top commanders of the army, in Zolfaghar central headquarters, Iran, as portraits of the late revolutionary founder Ayatollah Khomeini, left, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hang on the wall.
Tensions in the Middle East are nearing a critical point, as Iran could launch retaliatory attacks against US forces in the region within the next 48 hours, according to intelligence assessments cited by two American officials. In light of recent US airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, the report, which was shared with Reuters, suggests a growing threat level.
Operation Midnight Hammer is the code name for the operation, which US President Donald Trump has approved. Coordinated attacks were carried out on a number of Iranian locations, including facilities connected to Iran's nuclear programme. Washington called the move a preventative step to prevent what it called Tehran's "unacceptable escalation." Concerns regarding a possible wider military confrontation between the long-standing enemies have been raised by Iran's vow to defend itself in the wake of the incident.
Iranian army press service, Iran's army commander-in-chief Gen. Amir Hatami, center, Admiral Mahmoud Mousavi, right, and Admiral Habibollah Sayyari attend a meeting in Zolfaghar central headquarters, Iran.
The two unidentified US officials cautioned that the next 24 to 48 hours represent a heightened threat window for potential Iranian retaliation, even as the Trump administration continues its diplomatic efforts to de-escalate. They emphasised the danger to US military personnel and equipment stationed throughout the area. Following the strikes, President Trump sent out a strong warning, stating that "a force far greater than that used in the weekend US attacks" would be used to counter any Iranian response.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that the U.S. military has increased security for American forces in hotspots like Iraq and Syria in preparation for a counterattack. Approximately 40,000 US troops are currently stationed throughout the Middle East. These forces are responsible for maintaining and protecting vital military assets that could be subject to coordinated Iranian attacks, such as fighter jets, air defence systems, and naval warships.
Last week, the Pentagon started moving its assets around the area in a calculated attempt to reduce exposure. The redeployment of aircraft from Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base, which is home to almost 10,000 US personnel and acts as a vital command and logistics centre, was one of the most significant changes. Tehran has so far avoided attacking or trying to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime chokepoint that almost 25 per cent of the world's oil shipments pass through, despite its threats of retaliation.
The Iranian Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Abd al-Rahim Mousavi, reacted forcefully to the US strikes and promised a measured reaction. "Regardless of the damage caused to the three nuclear facilities, we will respond against the US simply because it attacked our country," Mousavi declared, signaling Iran’s intent to retaliate regardless of the operational impact.
If retaliatory actions turn into open warfare, the current standoff between the United States and Iran—one of the most severe escalations in recent years—could change the dynamics of regional security.
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