Media: Iran may strike Israel soon

US general overseeing American forces in the Middle East, General Michael Kurilla arrived in the Middle East on August 2 as tensions rise over potential retaliation from Iran.

This visit, initially scheduled before recent escalations involving Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah, comes at a critical time following the assassinations of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, Caliber.Az reports citing the foreign media.

General Kurilla’s trip aims to strengthen and mobilize international and regional support, similar to the coalition formed to counter an Iranian threat on April 13. US officials expect him to use this visit to bolster defenses and coordinate efforts in light of the growing regional instability.

According to three officials from the US and Israel, an Iranian attack on Israel could occur as soon as August 5. 

Leaders from Iran and Hezbollah have promised to retaliate for the recent killings of Hezbollah’s top military commander Fuad Shukr and Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The Pentagon announced that the US is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, deploying additional warships and fighter jets in anticipation of a potential Iranian assault on Israel.

US officials anticipate that any Iranian retaliation may follow a similar strategy to their April 13 attack on Israel but could be on a larger scale and possibly involve Hezbollah in Lebanon. 

The Biden administration is worried about the challenges in rallying the same international and regional coalition that supported Israel during the previous Iranian attack, due to the current Israel-Hamas conflict and heightened anti-Israel sentiments in the region.