"Iran completes preparations for retaliation if U.S. intervenes militarily"
Summary
- It was reported that Iran has completed preparations for retaliatory attacks with missiles and other weapons on U.S. military bases in the Middle East if the United States intervenes in the Israel war.
- The NYT stated that Iran's retaliation could involve renewed Houthi militia attacks on ships in the Red Sea and the possibility of attacks on U.S. facilities in Iraq and Syria.
- The U.S. has increased alert levels to defend its military bases in the Middle East, and former President Trump indicated the possibility of striking Iran's Supreme Leader or nuclear facilities.
"Missile attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East"
"Possible strikes against Iraq, Qatar, UAE, etc."
Reports indicate that Iran has prepared missiles and other weapons capable of launching retaliatory attacks on U.S. military bases in the Middle East if the United States directly intervenes in the war with Israel.
On the 17th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported this, citing U.S. intelligence officials.
Officials stated that if the United States attacks Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, the Houthi militia, supported by Iran, would almost certainly resume ship attacks in the Red Sea. Pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria are also expected to attempt attacks on U.S. facilities, such as local American bases. The officials mentioned that Iran could also deploy underwater bombs in the Strait of Hormuz to block or restrict the movement of U.S. warships.
Iranian officials cited by the NYT also acknowledged that if the U.S. engages militarily in the war with Israel, Iran could attack American bases in Iraq first and then other U.S. bases throughout the Middle East. The Iranian military possesses missile bases that can easily strike Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. It is reported that the number of U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East is around 40,000. U.S. command in the region has ordered heightened alert status at U.S. bases in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere.
Former President Donald Trump is reportedly seriously considering providing direct support for striking Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, as requested by Israel. On Truth Social, Trump made a series of remarks suggesting the possibility of U.S. military intervention, threatening that he knows the hiding place of Iran’s Supreme Leader and demanding "unconditional surrender."
He said, "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding," and added, "At least for now, we will not remove (kill!) him, but we do not want missiles fired at civilians or U.S. troops. Our patience is running out."
Sang-Ryeol Lee, Hankyung.com reporter yisr0203@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
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