Iran-Israel conflict: Against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, international media outlets disclosed on Saturday that the United States (US) had dispatched its warships to strategic positions in order to safeguard both Israeli and American troops stationed in the region.
According to CNN, the Pentagon has been actively bolstering air defenses for US troops stationed in Iraq and Syria. These troops have encountered more than 100 attacks from Iran-backed proxy forces between October and February.
Furthermore, the US State Department has advised Americans in Israel against traveling beyond major cities. This advisory comes amid concerns that a potential Iranian attack on Israel could entail over 100 drones and numerous missiles targeting military installations.
President Biden conveyed on Friday his anticipation of an imminent Iranian attack on Israel, reiterating the US’s unwavering support for Israel. He pledged to assist in defending Israel against any such aggression.
Iran-Israel conflict
Israel has remained on high alert for a potential attack from Iran or its proxies, especially after receiving warnings of retaliation for an assault on Iran’s embassy compound in Damascus, Syria. This incident led to the death of a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ overseas Quds Force along with six other officers.
Meanwhile, India has issued travel advisories urging its citizens to refrain from visiting Iran and Israel amidst the escalating tensions between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the need for caution for those currently residing in either Iran or Israel.
Similarly, other nations such as Germany, France, Poland, and Russia have also cautioned their citizens against traveling to the region due to the heightened tensions.
According to The Times of Israel, on Friday, the Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah launched a barrage of missiles towards northern Israel.
The Israel Defense Forces reported that approximately 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel. The IDF also confirmed intercepting two explosive-laden drones launched by Hezbollah.
Beginning on October 8, 2023, Hezbollah-led troops have been bombing Israeli villages and military facilities along the border almost every day since its ally Hamas carried out a massacre in Israel that claimed 1,200 lives.
Israel has promised to destroy the Hamas battalions in Gaza after the event. Palestinian health officials have reported that the number of deaths in the protracted conflict has risen to above 30,000.
Why is Iran getting ready to fight Israel?
The recent attack in Damascus, attributed to Israel by Syria, led to the death of General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a prominent figure in Iranian paramilitary operations in Syria and Lebanon. Zahedi’s demise represents a significant loss for Iran, comparable to the assassination of Gen Qassem Soleimani by the US in 2020.
US pledges ‘ironclad’ backing for Israel.
On Friday, the Pentagon underscored the ongoing discussions regarding the unwavering US commitment to Israel’s security amidst threats from Iran and its affiliates.
On Thursday, US President Joe Biden reaffirmed an ‘ironclad’ commitment to Israel, pledging to stand against any Iranian attack. This came amid concerns of Tehran potentially launching ‘significant’ strikes in response to the blast at the Iranian consular building in Damascus.
Also Read: PM Modi
As I conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, our commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies is unwavering. Let me reiterate, unwavering. We will exert every effort to safeguard Israel’s security,” stated the White House chief.