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Iran planning ballistic missile attack on Israel, warns White House official

Iran planning ballistic missile attack on Israel, warns White House official A missile is launched during a joint exercise called the 'Great Prophet 17', in the southwest of Iran, in this picture obtained on December 22, 2021. (IRGC/WANA via Reuters)
By Newsroom
Oct 1, 2024 5:16 PM

A senior White House official has indicated that Iran is preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel in the near future.

The US is reportedly supporting Israel in preparation for the potential strike, which could have severe consequences for Tehran.

The official, speaking anonymously, stated, “The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.” The U.S. is closely monitoring the situation and assisting Israel in bolstering its defenses.

Escalation in southern Lebanon

The warning follows escalating military actions between Israel and Hezbollah, a Tehran-backed militant group. Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon late Tuesday night, conducting what they described as “targeted ground raids.” These raids were accompanied by airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that intense clashes took place during the operation. In retaliation, Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets toward northern Israel, prompting millions of Israelis to seek shelter, according to the IDF.

Iran planning ballistic missile attack on Israel, warns White House official
Smoke billows over southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Tyre, Lebanon, Sept. 26, 2024. (Reuters Photo)

Netanyahu vows to stand firm against Iran

In response to the escalating conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement calling for unity.

“We are in the midst of a campaign against Iran’s axis of evil. We must stand together. We will stand firm together in the challenging days ahead,” Netanyahu said.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had not detected an incoming aerial strike from Iran “for now”, after a US official said there were indications of an imminent missile attack.

“For now, we have not detected any aerial threat launched from Iran,” military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said, adding that the Israeli army was “prepared to defend and attack” Iran in the event of a strike launched from the Islamic republic.

Iran planning ballistic missile attack on Israel, warns White House official
A ballistic missile called Khaibar with a range of 2,000 kilometer is launched at an undisclosed location in Iran, on May 25, 2023. (Iran’s Ministry of Defence/WANA via Reuters)

US’ commitment to Israel

The U.S. official did not provide specific details on the nature of the intelligence but emphasized that the situation is being taken very seriously. This development comes amid growing tensions in the region, as Israel continues its campaign against Hezbollah, and the broader conflict risks spilling over into other countries.

Recently Turkish President Erdogan said, “Israel’s aggression extends to Türkiye. We will oppose this state terrorism with every means at our disposal for the sake of our country, our nation, and our independence,”

Last Updated:  Oct 1, 2024 7:42 PM