Iran’s semi-official ISNA news agency has published a graphic showcasing what it said were nine different types of Iranian missiles capable of reaching Israel. Tensions appear to be ratcheting up between the two sides, and a short while ago an Iranian official warned that no Israeli embassy is safe.
Twenty-eight Israeli embassies around the world temporarily closed on Friday due to fears of reprisal from Iran, the official said. Yahya Rahim Safavi, an adviser to the Supreme Leader, said the attack was a “violation of international laws”. Seven members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard were killed in the 1 April attack, with Iran vowing retaliation.
US officials said on Friday that they were on high alert about the possibility of a significant Iranian strike on targets inside Israel. Iran has blamed Israel for a deadly attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria, last week that killed at least seven officials. Among those killed was a top commander in Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards (IRGC).
Israel says preparations have been completed to handle any scenario that may develop with Iran. It comes after the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard vowed “our brave men will punish the Zionist regime” after an airstrike in Syria killed seven members of the group.
Tehran has blamed Israel for the strike, though the Israeli military has refused to comment either to confirm or deny involvement. US officials said they were concerned Iran may be planning to hit targets inside Israel in retaliation.
Israel’s defence minister Yoav Gallant said today he had held an “operational situation assessment” with senior military officers. “The defence establishment has completed preparations for responses in the event of any scenario that may develop vis-à-vis Iran,” his office said.
Sky News
