Iranian Retaliation Expected Within Days as U.S. Forces Brace for Potential Strikes

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – The United States is bracing for potential Iranian retaliation against American forces in the Middle East, which could come as early as Tuesday, according to senior U.S. officials cited by Reuters. This follows U.S. and Israeli strikes over the weekend that targeted and reportedly destroyed key Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan during Operation Midnight Hammer.

Despite the rising tensions, American officials say Washington still hopes for a diplomatic resolution to avert a broader conflict. However, preparations are underway for the possibility of Iranian missile or drone attacks against U.S. bases, particularly in Iraq, Syria, and Qatar–home to the Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest American military installation in the region.

In response to the heightened threat, the U.S., Britain, and China issued shelter-in-place advisories to their citizens in Qatar on Monday, urging them to remain indoors “out of an abundance of caution.” Shortly afterward, Qatar announced it had closed its airspace as part of precautionary measures, though officials stressed that the security situation in the Gulf state remains stable. “The competent authorities are closely monitoring the situation and remain fully prepared to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of citizens, residents, and visitors,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari.

According to multiple reports, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, U.S. intelligence has detected signs of Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria preparing possible strikes. The Pentagon is also tracking credible threats, with Iran reportedly positioning missile launchers for potential attacks on American targets.

Iran’s new military chief, Abdolrahim Mousavi–who replaced Mohammad Bagheri after he was killed by Israel in the initial strikes–promised a “decisive response” to what he labeled “the American mistake.” Mousavi also vowed continued action against Israel, stating, “Netanyahu’s punishment will continue, and we will act against the Americans according to their strikes.”

Speaking anonymously to CNN, a senior Iranian official echoed these threats, asserting that Tehran aims to make the U.S. “pay directly for the war, instead of standing behind Israel.” The official claimed that public calls for revenge, seen in mass protests in Tehran, are fueling Iran’s military response plans.

Meanwhile, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated Monday that the administration is confident the strikes had “completely destroyed” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. “They no longer have the capability to build nuclear weapons or threaten the world with them,” she said in a televised interview.

At the UN Security Council’s emergency session on Sunday night, U.S. envoy Dorothy Shea warned that any direct or indirect Iranian attack on American forces would be met with “devastating retaliation.” Israel, for its part, has conveyed through Arab intermediaries that it seeks to end hostilities as soon as its operational objectives–neutralizing Iran’s nuclear and missile threats–are achieved.

Despite the threats, analysts say Tehran may seek a measured response that allows it a way out of prolonged conflict, similar to its restrained retaliation after the 2020 U.S. killing of Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani. At that time, Iran launched rockets at U.S. bases in Iraq, causing no fatalities after advance warnings were provided.

For now, the region remains on edge as military forces, diplomats, and civilians await Tehran’s next move — and Washington’s response.

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