-
Before US Elections.. Iran Hints at "Painful" Response to Israel
-
The timing of Iran's threat to respond before US elections reveals Tehran's desire to exploit the current US administration's sensitive political situation
CNN reported from a high-level Iranian source confirming Tehran's intention to deliver a "final and painful" strike against Israel, possibly before the US presidential elections, in response to the recent Israeli attack on its territory.
The source explained that "the Islamic Republic's response to the Zionist regime's aggression will be decisive and painful," despite Tehran's attempts to downplay the damage to its military facilities.
Knesset member Avigdor Lieberman responded to the Iranian threat with a strongly worded warning, promising a doubled response if Tehran carries out its threats, calling for not waiting for the Iranian strike and moving from "proportional response to a clear decision."
The White House intervened in the crisis, with spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre warning Iran against attacking Israel, affirming Washington's support for Tel Aviv in case of any attack.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that Tehran "does not need to respond," despite acknowledging his inability to predict its next steps.
Israel had successfully targeted strategic Iranian facilities, including missile factories and air defense batteries protecting Tehran, making Iran more vulnerable to future attacks.
Analysts view the specification of a potential Iranian response timing before the US elections as indicating Tehran's attempt to exploit the sensitive political situation in Washington, at a time when the US administration seeks to avoid any regional escalation.
Levant-Agencies
