Photo: Carlos Barria/UPI
Two senior US administration officials told Reuters that Iran could launch reprisal strikes against US military forces in the region within the next 24-48 hours, despite Washington’s ongoing efforts to reach a diplomatic settlement.
“We are doing everything possible to persuade Tehran to abandon any provocative actions, but we are ready for the worst-case scenario,” said one of the agency’s interlocutors, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Following the US air strikes on Iran’s three nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan – carried out on the orders of President Donald Trump using B-2 bombers – Tehran has promised to “respond harshly”. Washington has already warned the Iranian leadership that any counterattacks will be met with a much more powerful force.
Strengthening defence
General Dana Kane, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said on Sunday that US forces in Iraq, Syria and neighbouring countries have been placed on a higher level of alert. In particular:
- Some planes and ships were withdrawn from the most vulnerable bases, including the Al Udeid air base in Qatar;
- Additional air defence systems and special forces have been deployed in the region.
The balance remains precarious
Despite the threat of escalation, Iran has not yet blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the main supply route for a quarter of the world’s maritime oil traffic. This restraint indicates Tehran’s reluctance to provoke a full-scale clash with the United States. Currently, both sides are demonstrating readiness for further strikes, but at the same time leave the door open for a possible dialogue.
