iran-signals-retaliation-on-israel-post-u-s-elections

The ongoing tit-for-tat exchanges between regional rivals continue to threaten the stability of West Asia.

According to insider reports, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has approved preparations for a strike on Israel, a decision reportedly taken after reviewing damage from recent Israeli strikes inside Iran over the past week.

Sources indicate that three senior Iranian officials confirmed Khamenei’s decision, made after receiving reports on Israeli attacks targeting Iranian military assets.

These strikes were Israel's response to Tehran’s missile attack on October 1, itself in retaliation for Israel’s previous action that killed Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.

In a recent high-level meeting, Khamenei reportedly told officials that ignoring Israeli strikes would be akin to “admitting defeat.”

Following these Israeli actions, the United States issued several warnings to Tehran, urging restraint, while various countries have pressed both Iran and Israel to halt this cycle of retribution.

Despite U.S. involvement, Tehran, with support from Russia and China, has maintained its stance to retaliate at a time of its choosing.

However, Iran has signalled a potential end to hostilities should Israel declare a ceasefire and withdraw from Gaza and Lebanon.

An Iranian official suggested that any retaliatory strike would likely be delayed until after the U.S. presidential election on November 5.

Previously, Khamenei’s senior aide, Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani, issued a warning, stating, “The recent action of the Zionist regime in attacking parts of our country was a desperate move, and the Islamic Republic of Iran will give it a harsh and regretful response.”

He praised Iranian forces for thwarting the Israeli attack, minimising damage, and “preventing the entry of Zionist regime fighters into the territory.”

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his own threats, pledging to target Iran’s nuclear sites and claiming, “The bravado of the Iranian regime cannot mask the simple fact that Israel today has a greater freedom to operate in Iran than ever before.”

What began as an effort to address Hamas in Gaza has since spread across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and parts of Iran.

 

While the United States and international negotiators work to avoid further escalation, the region remains on a tense footing.