US, 'Israel' to coordinate on potential Iranian attack: Axios

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Axios
11 Apr 2024 01:42
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American and Israeli officials engage in dialogue across various governmental levels to anticipate Iranian retaliation.

Then Lt. Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla gives a speech March 5, 2021, in Fort Campbell, Ky. (Spc. Andrea Notter/U.S. Army via AP)

The senior United States military commander responsible for the Middle East is anticipated to head to "Israel" on Thursday to coordinate efforts regarding a potential Iranian attack, following the Israeli aggression that targeted the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus last week, Axios reported Wednesday citing two Israeli officials.

The officials mentioned that Gen. Erik Kurilla, commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), is expected to convene with Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant and high-ranking Israeli military officials.

Axios cited Israeli officials as saying that they are preparing for a potential unprecedented direct attack originating from Iranian territory, utilizing ballistic missiles, drones, and cruise missiles against Israeli targets.

According to the officials, "Israel" will strike back with a direct attack against Iran in such an event.

Iranian officials have openly voiced intentions to retaliate against "Israel" following the Damascus attack, which caused the martyrdom of seven IRGC advisors.

American and Israeli officials told the news website that officials from the United States and "Israel" have engaged in dialogue across various governmental levels to anticipate the Iranian retaliation.

Earlier on Wednesday, US President Joe Biden stressed that his country's "commitment to Israel's security against these threats from Iran and its proxies is ironclad."

In the same context, Gallant held Monday a phone conversation with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin concerning Iranian threats of retaliation. Austin reiterated the US' unwavering support to "Israel" amid escalating tensions.

Subsequently, on Tuesday, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer spoke with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and touched on the matter, an official confirmed.

A senior Israeli official revealed that "Tel Aviv" has requested assistance from Washington to mitigate the Iranian response by conveying private and public cautionary messages to Tehran, as well as by demonstrating its presence in the region, Axios mentioned.

The Israeli official added that, in recent days, "Israel" and the United States have been coordinating "joint air and missile defense" operations in the region in anticipation of a prospective Iranian attack.

According to a statement from the Iranian Foreign Ministry, the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Iraq held a telephone conversation with their Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to address regional tensions.

A source with direct knowledge told Axios that the Arab foreign ministers' step came after receiving calls from White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk, who urged them to convey a message to Iran to de-escalate the situation.