CNN Reports from US Intelligence Sources: Iran's Attack on Israel Likely to be Conducted by Proxy Forces in the Region

Two informed sources from US security intelligence told CNN that an attack by the Iranian government on Israel is likely to be carried out by Iran's proxy forces in the region, rather than directly by Iran. According to these sources, Tehran is cautious about escalating conflicts and does not want to give the US or its allies a pretext for a direct attack on Iran. The sources also indicated that the Iranian government and its proxy militia groups do not appear ready to attack US forces or other assets in the region for similar reasons. However, they noted that Iran does not have complete command and control over all its proxy forces, so the possibility of an attack on US assets cannot be entirely ruled out. The United States and its allies have prepared for a retaliatory response from the Islamic Republic to last week's Israeli attack on the Iranian government's consulate in Damascus, which resulted in the deaths of several IRGC officials. These sources told CNN that the intelligence gathered by the US provides an assessment that the Iranian government has asked several of its proxy militia groups to simultaneously launch a broad attack against Israel using drones and missiles, which could occur this week. One source mentioned that there is discussion about whether they will wait until the end of Ramadan to carry out the attack. One of these sources stated, 'The threat is very clear and credible. They have now positioned the pieces for the attack. They are just waiting for the right time.' CNN also emphasized that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in the US declined to comment on this matter. Since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli assault on Gaza, Iran's allies have increased violence across the region, while the United States has bolstered its presence in the Middle East. The United States, the UK, the European Union, Japan, Israel, and several other countries have listed Hamas as a terrorist organization. Amir-Abdollahian threatened Israel with 'punishment' after the inauguration of the new consular building of the Islamic Republic in Damascus. The US State Department rejected Iranian media reports of a message from the Islamic Republic to Washington. The White House stated that if Iran wants a ceasefire in Gaza, it should pressure Hamas. A report from the Times of Israel indicated that Zahidi was a member of the 'Hezbollah Council of Lebanon.' The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army stated that they are prepared to counter threats from the Islamic Republic. Israel asserted that it is not seeking war with Iran but will do whatever is necessary to defend itself.