JERUSALEM: Israeli sources reported today that PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the cabinet approved a new military operation called the “Iron Strike” against Iran. This news came while Iran’s mullah regime’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is set to run if tensions intensify. The Times reported Khamenei is considering Moscow as a safe haven.
According to the Israeli channel i24news, the Israeli army has gone on high alert amid fears that Iran might redirect its fire toward Israel. The Israeli intelligence branch is also conducting military exercises.
The channel reported that “Netanyahu presented during the meeting the results of his discussions with US President Donald Trump during their recent meeting in Florida,” noting that “Netanyahu outlined priorities for action against Iran and the timing of operations.”
Last night, Netanyahu led a lengthy security meeting that lasted five hours with ministers of the smaller security cabinet (“the Cabinet”) to discuss the timing and stages of the attack, as well as to assess the situation on all fronts, including Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.
Interior Minister Aryeh Deri participated in the discussions, while Defence Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir were briefed on military exercises simulating war scenarios against Iran.
Meanwhile, Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces conducted aerial and missile drills, including activation of air defence systems. Iranian reports mentioned hearing explosions and flashes in the skies over Tehran and Shiraz as part of precautionary preparations for any potential attack.
In a related context, US President Donald Trump affirmed that the United States is closely monitoring the situation, warning of a “strong strike” if Iran continues to suppress protesters.
