Israeli intelligence: Iran poised to launch strike on Israel from Iraq

Israeli intelligence sources report that Iran is preparing a large-scale attack on Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days. 

“Israeli intelligence suggests that Iran is preparing to attack Israel from Iraqi territory in the coming days, possibly before the U.S. presidential election,” a U.S. media outlet reported on October 31, per Caliber.Az.

Sources say Iran may deploy numerous UAVs and ballistic missiles for the assault. While the report does not specify who would carry out the strikes from Iraqi soil, Iraq hosts pro-Iranian Shiite militias that could potentially be involved.

Israel recently launched airstrikes targeting Iranian military sites on October 26, resulting in the deaths of four Iranian soldiers. These strikes came in response to an earlier missile attack on Israel by Iranian forces.

Iran's UN Permanent Representative, Amir Saeed Iravani, announced that Tehran reserves the right to respond to Israeli attacks, asserting that any response would be in accordance with international law. Iravani added that Iranian air defences had successfully intercepted Israeli strikes on targets within Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed on October 30 that Israel has the capability to strike anywhere within Iran if necessary. “Today Israel has more freedom of action in Iran than ever before. We can reach any point if there is such a need,” he was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel, stressing that recent strikes targeted Iran’s most vulnerable sites. He reiterated that Israel’s primary objective is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Meanwhile, the United States has proposed a draft ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. This would allow Israel’s military to continue limited strikes in Lebanon if direct threats emerge. US media noted on October 31 that the draft agreement includes a 60-day window for Israeli forces to conduct defensive operations in Lebanon, as well as permission for Israeli surveillance flights over Lebanon, provided they maintain a low speed.

Lebanese officials and sources involved in the talks indicate that Hezbollah and Lebanon’s government have yet to accept the proposal, saying it would provide Israel excessive freedom for cross-border operations. However, Lebanese authorities have expressed willingness to continue negotiations. The Wall Street Journal also noted that Hezbollah representatives have privately hinted at being open to a ceasefire with Israel separate from the Gaza crisis.

Since late September, Israel has intensified efforts to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon and Beirut, including limited ground raids along the border. Hezbollah has responded by launching daily rocket attacks into Israeli territory.

By Tamilla Hasanova