Tehran is enraged by the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Since the attack, Iran has been continuously issuing warnings. A media outlet has stated in its article that Israel's inner areas will be targeted this time. The article notes that unlike previous attacks, this time the target will be larger, and cities like Tel Aviv and Haifa will be targeted.
An article in the newspaper Kayhan, managed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated that in the previous operation, Iran only targeted a few locations. The upcoming campaign will target inner areas of Israel like Tel Aviv and Haifa, strategic centers, and the homes of Israeli officials involved in Haniyeh's assassination. The article emphasizes that this attack will be larger and more dangerous, making it difficult to intercept.
Read also: The US to Deploy Warships and Fighter Jets to Protect Israel Amid Growing Middle East Tensions
US Deploys Weapons in the Middle East
Following increased regional tensions in the Middle East last week, the Pentagon announced on Friday that the US is deploying an additional fighter squadron to the region. It has also declared the deployment of additional cruisers and destroyers to help defend Israel and ensure the safety of US forces. A Pentagon spokesperson said that the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier will relieve the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Middle East region.
Hezbollah Also Issues Attack Warning
Iran's permanent mission to the UN warned that following the assassination of a top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut, Lebanon, on Tuesday, the group may attack "bigger and deeper" civilian and military targets within Israel. It remains unclear whether Hezbollah will partake in a coordinated attack on Israel with Iran and its regional allies or perform a separate attack.
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How Powerful is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah is believed to have a stockpile of 150,000 missiles and rockets, some with long-range capabilities. If such a large number of missiles are launched, it would be challenging for Israel's Iron Dome to intercept them all. Long-range missiles are particularly effective in targeting locations within Israel. The Israeli army, currently stationed in Gaza, might find it difficult to fight on both southern and northern fronts simultaneously.
