Iran issued a stern warning to the Biden administration over interference against what many believe is a looming retaliatory strike against Israel. If the U.S. intercedes, it will then become a legitimate target for state-sponsored terrorism.
Tehran reportedly relayed this message Monday night, cautioning Washington against acting on its firm alliance with Tel Aviv.
The tense situation followed an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus. The attack killed three senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commanders and four advisors to the Syrian government.
Meanwhile, the Times of Israel reported that Iranian sources confirmed that its response will be targeted to avoid a serious escalation in the Middle East. The act, the sources said, would not be hasty.
The outlet quoted a person close to U.S. intelligence as saying Iran has “been very clear” about its retaliation. It will be “controlled” and “non-escalatory.”
The source said the Islamic Republic will utilize “regional proxies to launch a number of attacks on Israel.”
US WARNS IRAN FOR THE LAST TIME! 🇺🇸
The US has warned Iran not to attack American targets in the retaliation against Israel.
The problem is that the US will help Israel with air defense. This means that the risk of a misjudgment from both sides are huge!
If Iran attacks… pic.twitter.com/efXvi8FkXr
— WORLD AT WAR (@World_At_War_6) April 12, 2024
The Biden White House confirmed on Thursday that it informed Iran that Washington had no part in the Israeli airstrike in Damascus.
Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told journalists, “We communicated to Iran that the U.S. had no involvement in the strike that happened in Damascus and we have warned Iran not to use this attack as a pretext to escalate further in the region or to attack U.S. facilities or personnel.”
But the day before, Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared “the U.S. will stand with Israel against any threats by Iran and its proxies.”
In preparation for a possible strike by Iranian forces, the U.S. State Department warned on Thursday for Americans in Israel not to venture out of major cities. While in populated areas they are better protected by the nation’s Iron Dome Missile Defense System.
With retaliation expected at any time, U.S. officials informed employees in Israel that restrictions on their movements could change at a moment’s notice.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged Thursday that any strikes against his nation will be met with force. “Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared…both defensively and offensively.”
