The Biden Administration warned Iran that it would suffer financial damage if it launched a “significant attack” against Israel. However, it appeared to indicate the United States was willing to accept a lesser attack.
The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday:
According to a U.S. official, the U.S. warned Iran of the possible damage that could be done to its newly-elected government and economy if Iran launched a major offensive on Israel.
The official stated, “The United States has sent a strong message to Iran regarding the risk of major escalation if they launch an important retaliatory attack against Israel.”
The messages warned Tehran of the dangers to its economy and newly-elected government if it continued on this path.
The warning focused primarily on “consequences”, not military consequences, for Iran’s newly formed government and economy. The U.S., however, is sending more fighter aircraft and surveillance planes into the region.
The Journal, citing a U.S. official described the potential Iranian strike as “retaliatory”. This is presumably in response to the death of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran last week. Iran has been attacking Israel through its proxy forces for decades. Israel’s strike against Iran would be the only thing that could be described as “retaliatory”.
Iran launched 300 missiles, including cruise missiles, at Israel in April. Israel responded with a very limited response at the request from the U.S.
After Haniyeh’s death and Israel’s killing of Hezbollah’s second-in-command Fuad Schkr in Beirut last week, Israelis have been bracing for an attack by Iran, including a Hezbollah-backed Iranian in southern Lebanon.
Recent reports have claimed that the U.S. has urged Iran not to attack or to be satisfied with a symbolic attack. These reports, like the Journal’s latest one, were all anonymous.
