The United States, powerless so far to prevent a military escalation in the Middle East, warned on Tuesday of an “imminent” Iranian attack on Israel, warning that it would bring serious “consequences” for Tehran.
“The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to launch an imminent ballistic missile attack” against Israel, a senior American official said in a statement to AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“We actively support the defense preparations” of Israel, he said, adding that a “direct military attack by Iran against Israel would have serious consequences” for Tehran.
The warning comes shortly after Israel announced it had launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon following a week of intense bombardment that left hundreds dead across the country.
After the devastating blow to Hezbollah, with the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed Friday in an Israeli strike near Beirut, Israel warned that the war was not over against the Iranian-backed movement.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said Hassan Nasrallah’s death “will not be in vain” and First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned it would lead to the “destruction” of Israel.
Tehran, which faces growing economic challenges as a result of international sanctions, has shown, relatively speaking, a certain restraint in the face of the conflict in Gaza, which pits Israel against another movement supported by Iran, Hamas. .
In April, Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, in retaliation for a strike against its diplomatic mission in Damascus.
Most of its missiles had been intercepted by Israel and its allies.
US President Joe Biden continues to call for a truce in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, but has never questioned US military support for Israel.
On Monday, American Defense Minister Lloyd Austin said he was convinced, like Israel, of the “need to dismantle the attack infrastructure” of Hezbollah.