The US tells Iran that the Israeli response to the attacks could be unfettered

The Biden administration recently warned Iran against launching another attack on Israel, stressing that it could not contain an Israeli response if provoked again, Walla reported Saturday night.

The warning follows Iran’s October 1 attack on Israel, which retaliated against targeted Israeli operations. Israel’s response included strikes on military targets but excluded strategic sites such as nuclear and oil facilities. These facilities could be potential targets if Iran launches new attacks.

A senior American official revealed to them Walla that Washington informed Tehran that it would not be able to prevent Israel from retaliating or ensure that any response would remain as limited and precise as before. This communication marked a rare direct message between the US and Iran.

According to a former Israeli official, the message was sent through the Swiss diplomatic channel, a long-standing conduit for US-Iran communications. The White House declined to comment, and the Iranian mission to the UN did not respond to requests for comment.

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated on Friday that Iran should avoid any response, underscoring continued US support for Israel in the event of Iranian aggression. Pentagon spokesman Gen. Pat Ryder announced additional military measures, including the deployment of missile defense destroyers, a fighter squadron, refueling aircraft and long-range B-52 bombers to the region. Ryder pointed out that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has made clear that the US will act decisively to protect its forces and interests if Iran or its proxies strike.

IAF forces prepare for Israel’s retaliatory strike against Iran, October 25, 2024 (credit: IDF WELL CLEANING UNIT)

On October 25, Israel executed a significant military response following a massive ballistic missile attack by Iran three weeks earlier. The Israeli counterattack, coordinated with the US, targeted pre-approved sites, except for nuclear and oil facilities.

Recent Israeli intelligence assessments indicate that Iran is preparing launch an attack on Israel from Iraqi territorypossibly within days and possibly before the US presidential election. Officials in Israel said this potential assault could involve Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which works with Shiite militias using drones and ballistic missiles. American sources have confirmed the likelihood of such an attack in the short term.

Israel and the US believe that if Iran uses militias in Iraq, it aims to avoid a direct confrontation that could provoke another Israeli strike on its soil. Israeli and US officials stressed that Israel’s response would depend on the scale and impact of any such attack.