Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 on Friday reported that "Israel" has requested the US to deploy a second THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) battery to bolster its defenses against a potential Iranian retaliation to its planned upcoming attack.

Tehran is reportedly preparing for a potential Israeli attack after reports surfaced suggesting that Israeli leadership has agreed on launching a strike. The deployment of the THAAD system is aimed at preparing for an anticipated Iranian reaction to the expected Israeli attack.

In response, the Pentagon confirmed on Sunday that it would send an advanced air defense battery to "Israel", along with US soldiers to operate the system.

It also comes against the paradoxical US warnings urging "Israel" to avoid targeting critical Iranian infrastructure, including nuclear and oil facilities, amid concerns that such an escalation could destabilize the region further. 

A first shipment of THAAD batteries, along with the necessary components to operate the system and a team of US military personnel, was already dispatched on October 15.

If this request is approved, it will mark the second delivery.

🚨IMPORTANT🚨
The US is now officially, a direct participant in the war against Iran & the axis.
The American Thaad battery & its military handlers have arrived in Israel. pic.twitter.com/dWBpaWD96V

— Hala Jaber (@HalaJaber) October 16, 2024

The THAAD system, designed to complement the existing Patriot system, offers protection over a wider area with a range of 150-200 kilometers (93-124 miles), making it capable of intercepting ballistic missile threats.

Each battery is composed of six truck-mounted launchers, 48 interceptors, and advanced radar and radio equipment, and requires 95 soldiers to operate.

On Thursday, Major General Hossein Salami, the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said that any attack on Iran would result in severe retaliation on the same target within occupied Palestinian territory.

Addressing the Israeli occupation, Salami warned, "You know how weak you are and how prone you are to incurring heavy losses." He also cautioned "Israel" against relying on its defense systems, saying, "Do not depend on your defense systems, as we can breach them."

Nuclear Sites or Oil Fields?

In the context of a potential Israeli counter-strike against Iran, former US President Donald Trump has strongly advocated for targeting Iran's nuclear facilities.

Trump believes that taking out these facilities should be the top priority in order to neutralize what he views as a "critical threat".

On the other hand, President Joe Biden cautioned "Israel" not to attack Iran's nuclear installations, urging instead the imposition of sanctions.

On Tuesday, the New York Times reported that "Israel" has informed the Biden administration that it will refrain from targeting Iran's nuclear enrichment and oil production facilities.

Read more: 'Israel' retreats from plans targeting Iranian nuclear, oil sites: NYT