Western officials anticipate Iran's retaliation for the recent assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran to be imminent but limited in scope, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The assessment highlights Iran's economic challenges as a key factor in its reluctance to engage in a broader conflict with Israel at this time.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Iran recognizes its inability to sustain an extensive confrontation with Israel at present, a factor that constrains its response to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Consequently, Western sources project that Iran's retaliation will not surpass the scale of its April operation and is expected within days.
The newspaper cites Western officials who believe that intense diplomatic pressure on Iran has successfully delayed and moderated Tehran's response. "Iran and Hezbollah will launch attacks against Israel in the coming days but doesn't believe Iran could conduct a much larger military campaign on Israel than it did in April," two US officials said.
Following reports by the Wall Street Journal that the US warned Iran of a "devastating blow" it launches an attack on Israel, it is now believed that the impending attack will be similar to the Iranian attack in April, and will take place in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/ZoDD7LqqD5
— Netanel Worthy - נתנאל וורתי (@NetanelWorthy) August 9, 2024
In a related development, a senior Israeli political figure told the Washington Post that the Arab defense coalition, which aided Israel in repelling Iran's missile and drone assault in April, now faces uncertainty. The source, reportedly involved in the alliance's formation talks, expressed concern over Saudi Arabia's and Jordan's declarations that they would prohibit any foreign forces from operating in their airspace.
Despite these statements from Amman and Riyadh, the Iranian axis apparently believes Jordan will support Israel during a crisis. Al-Akhbar, a Lebanese newspaper affiliated with Hezbollah, published an analysis suggesting that Amman intends to "blindly follow the Americans" despite its public declarations. "Jordan's regime disregards its people's public opinion and the Palestinian street," the article asserted. "Jordan's excuses lack credibility, and Amman is viewed as complicit in Israel and the United States' aggression, much like Cyprus," the article continued, highlighting claims that Cyprus has become a center for intense American activities aimed at assisting Israel.
The Arab newspaper alleged that a substantial American delegation arrived on the island this week, conducting meetings with Cyprus's security and intelligence leadership. The report also claimed that American military equipment, including anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems, was transferred to Cyprus. The newspaper quoted sources from the Cyprus government, stating they had never witnessed such a large influx of weaponry before.
