Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, Iran is reportedly preparing to retaliate against Israel following recent Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
According to sources cited by The New York Times, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei ordered the Iranian Supreme National Security Council on October 29 to plan an attack on Israel. Intelligence from Israel suggests that Iranian-backed militias in Iraq could launch one-way drones and ballistic missiles toward Israel in the coming days.
READ: Israeli Strikes Targeted Key Iranian Military Infrastructure, Disrupt Ballistic Missile Production
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of Iranian-supported militias, has ramped up its operations against Israel, conducting multiple drone strikes over the past months. Recently, they claimed responsibility for nine drone attacks across Israel on October 31 and November 1.
These strikes may serve as reconnaissance missions to test Israel’s air defense systems and identify vulnerabilities. Utilizing Iraqi-based militias would allow Iran to preserve its long-range missile stockpile, already diminished by significant missile launches in April and October of this year.
Khamenei’s decision to retaliate reportedly followed his review of a comprehensive report detailing the extent of the IDF’s damage to Iran’s air defenses and drone capabilities. The IDF’s strikes rendered Iran’s advanced Russian-made S-300 air defense systems inoperable and inflicted substantial damage on facilities linked to Iran’s drone and missile programs.
Iran’s influence in Iraq continues to grow, with recent Iraqi political developments underscoring Tehran’s sway. The October 31 election of Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, a Shia Coordination Framework-backed politician, as Iraq’s parliament speaker marks a victory for Iranian-backed factions in Iraq.
This increased political influence is accompanied by Iran’s expanding military control through Iraqi militias and coordination with regional allies, turning Iraq into a staging ground for Iran’s Axis of Resistance operations against Israel.
READ: Iran Might Wait Until After US Election To Strike Israel Over Fears It Might Benefit Trump: REPORT
Meanwhile, Israeli forces are engaging Hezbollah in southern Lebanon around the strategic town of Khiam. Positioned on elevated terrain, Khiam provides a tactical vantage point for Hezbollah to monitor Israeli movements, though Hezbollah’s defense remains disorganized, as observed across southern Lebanon.
As Iran and Israel continue to clash indirectly, the ongoing geopolitical developments raise concerns over potential destabilization in the region, with impacts on U.S. and allied interests.
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