CNN reported, citing two unnamed sources, that the United States has detected movement of drones and cruise missiles by Iran, indicating a possible readiness to attack Israeli targets. American media sources speculated that the strike on Israel could be severe and coordinated from four countries: Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, potentially taking place within the next 24 hours.
The Wall Street Journal mentioned that the U.S. quickly moved its warships to positions to protect Israel and American forces in the region, in preparation for a possible Iranian attack. These moves were part of an effort to avoid a broader conflict in the Middle East, following a warning from someone familiar with the situation regarding the timing and location of the imminent Iranian attack, according to the paper.
A U.S. defense official in Washington stated, "We are sending additional resources to the region to bolster regional deterrence efforts and enhance the protection of U.S. forces." General Erik Kurilla, the head of U.S. Central Command, discussed the potential Iranian attack with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Israel on Friday. Gallant, as reported by the Israeli Defense Ministry, said, "We are ready to defend ourselves on the ground and in the air, in close cooperation with our partners, and we will know how to respond."
American officials noted that U.S. movements included repositioning two destroyers, one already in the region and the other redirected there, adding that at least one of the ships carries the Aegis missile defense system. When asked on Friday about the potential timing for an Iranian strike on Israel, President Joe Biden replied, "My expectations are urgent, not deferred." In response to a question about whether he had a message for Iran, he said, "Don't do it."
He added, "We are committed to defending Israel... We will support Israel and help defend it, and Iran will not succeed." The American newspaper stated that any Iranian strike on Israel is expected to ignite the region while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces increasing international pressure to end the war in Gaza. The paper revealed that U.S. officials felt frustrated by Israel's decision not to inform them about the attack on Damascus, prompting them to pressure their Israeli counterparts to share information on how to respond to any Iranian strike to protect U.S. forces in the region.
