Iran and Israel edge closer to war amid threats of retaliation

Shafaq News/ Iran and Israel are escalating their exchange of threats, each warning of a severe response to recent rocket attacks and cross-border shelling.

Israel’s Channel 14 reported growing indications that Iran might launch an attack on Israel, possibly timed around the upcoming US elections. Citing a political source, Channel 14 noted that Israel’s response to any Iranian assault “will be harsh and decisive.”

The broadcaster also mentioned that Israeli authorities are weighing the possibility of a "preemptive strike" against Iran, though they are also considering waiting until the US election concludes.

Iran has reportedly issued warnings to several Arab nations regarding a planned retaliatory attack on Israel.

Unnamed officials from both Arab states and Iran informed the Wall Street Journal that the upcoming assault will utilize a combination of drones and missiles, with some expected to carry heavier payloads than those previously used against Israel.

Analysts, including both Western and Iranian experts, suggest that Iran may deploy the Khorramshahr-4 medium-range ballistic missile, which is said to have a payload capacity of 1,500 kilograms and a range of 2,000 kilometers.

The attack will not be limited to drones and missiles; it is also set to involve the conventional Iranian military, known as the Artesh.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has communicated to senior officials that the Israeli strikes were "too large to ignore."