Iran Retaliatory Attack 'Certainly Possible,' Pentagon Warns

The Pentagon warns that a retaliatory attack by Iran is "certainly possible" this week, amid heightened tensions following Israel's alleged assassination of Hamas commander Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has emphasized his country's right to retaliate against Israel in a phone call with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Starmer urged Tehran to refrain from attacking Israel, stressing that "war is not in anyone's interest." However, Pezeshkian insisted that a strong response is Iran's right and a solution to stopping aggression.

Tensions escalated after Israel's alleged assassination of Haniyeh, who was in Tehran at the time. Iran denounced the murder and blamed Israel, even though Haniyeh died in a localized explosion that did not kill any Iranian citizens.

Iran Retaliatory Attack 'Certainly Possible,' Pentagon Warns

International pressure from Europe and Arab nations has not seemed to deter Iran's desire for revenge. Regional sources have expressed concern that Iran and its proxies could attack Israel within the next 24 hours. Although no attack has materialized since that initial warning, concerns persist.

Hamas representatives have declared they will not participate in new cease-fire negotiations unless mediators present a plan based on previous talks. They have accused Israel of signaling it is not serious about a cease-fire agreement through actions like the alleged assassination of Haniyeh.

Iran Retaliatory Attack 'Certainly Possible,' Pentagon Warns

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered his forces to "harshly punish" Israel, and the deputy commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has stated that these orders will be carried out.

Israel has conveyed to its allies that any Iranian attack, even if it does not result in Israeli casualties, will lead to another retaliatory strike on Iranian territory. This statement aims to prevent further international pressure against Israel's forceful response.

Iran Retaliatory Attack 'Certainly Possible,' Pentagon Warns

Tensions have continued to escalate, highlighted by a major cyberattack that crippled Iranian banks on Wednesday. Hackers stole account holder information and targeted several banks. While Iran has not yet attributed blame, it has previously accused the U.S. and Israel of being behind such attacks.

The Pentagon has increased its capabilities in the Middle East and is closely monitoring the situation. They have stated that a retaliatory attack by Iran is "certainly possible" this week. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict are ongoing, but the potential for further violence remains high.

Iran Retaliatory Attack 'Certainly Possible,' Pentagon Warns