Israeli journalist Barak Ravid reported that a senior official in Israel stated that Iran has begun preparing missile and drone systems in a manner similar to what was done before the attack on Israel in April. Israeli and American officials noted that "Iran has taken substantial preparatory steps with missile and drone systems similar to those taken before the attack on Israel in April." However, they emphasized that Israel and the United States do not know the specific timing of the attack. An Israeli official indicated that "the Iranians are openly signaling (on the ground) their determination to carry out a significant attack, in addition to their public statements that the attack will surpass the one they conducted in April. The Iranian public statements do not reflect any retreat."
Iran's interim Foreign Minister Ali Baqeri Kani confirmed that a response to Israel is legitimate and will be decisive. He stressed Iran's "self-right" to "legitimate defense." He added that the response "will be costly," but it will be "in favor of security and stability, and thus in favor of all countries in the region." Tensions in the Middle East have intensified following the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, and senior Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukr in the southern suburbs of Beirut last week.
