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Iran Claims Low Likelihood of Attack on Nuclear Sites Amid Rising Tensions with Israel
Following reports of Israel's readiness to strike Iranian targets in response to recent actions, Tehran has confirmed that the likelihood of an assault on its nuclear sites remains low.
Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Iranian Atomic Energy Organization, stated on Wednesday that an attack on nuclear sites is considered unlikely. However, he added that any potential damage would be "quickly compensated," as reported by the semi-official Iranian news agency "Noor News."
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant reiterated yesterday that his country’s response would be "precise and painful," while also indicating that it is not in Tel Aviv’s interest to open new fronts or engage in additional wars. Several Israeli officials have previously asserted that the response would be strong and surprising.
Some Israeli sources have hinted that potential strikes could include oil and electricity facilities, as well as nuclear installations, despite opposition from Washington. However, U.S. officials confirmed earlier today that the Biden administration believes it has received assurances from Israel that it would not attack nuclear or oil facilities.
They also suggested that Washington thinks the deployment of a THAAD missile defense battery to Tel Aviv along with around 100 soldiers to operate it has alleviated some Israeli concerns about potential Iranian retaliatory actions and broader security issues.
Nevertheless, the two officials, who requested anonymity, warned that these assurances are not firmly established and that circumstances could change, according to the Associated Press.
The Middle East remains on high alert for further escalation in the ongoing conflict that has persisted for a year, as Israel fights the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Israel has consistently threatened retaliation following the missile attack launched by Iran on October 1 in response to Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the deaths of several Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
