U.S. Officials Report Iran's Relocation of Missile Launch Platforms; Multinational Coalition Warns Israel to Limit Response to Potential Attack

While an Israeli media outlet reported that officials from a multinational coalition warned Israel to limit its military response to a potential attack from the Islamic Republic, the Wall Street Journal also cited U.S. officials reporting the relocation of missile launch platforms in Iran. According to Israel's public television 'Kan', officials from the U.S.-led multinational coalition, which is apparently preparing to assist Israel in countering the expected attack from the Islamic Republic, have preemptively warned Israel that its response to such an attack should not be too severe. These anonymous officials have advised decision-makers in Jerusalem: 'Do not escalate' and 'think carefully before you retaliate. The goal [of any action] is not to end up in a full-scale war.' In Farvardin (March-April), a large missile and drone attack from Iran was neutralized by a coalition consisting of Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Kan reported yesterday that Western diplomats believe the same coalition can be formed again. In another report, the Wall Street Journal cited anonymous U.S. officials stating that Iran has relocated missile launch platforms and conducted military exercises in recent days. According to the newspaper, this relocation may indicate preparations for an attack in the coming days, as widely reported. The report states that U.S. officials are unaware of the extent of Hezbollah's role in the Islamic Republic's potential response to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader in Tehran, which occurred hours after the killing of Fouad Shukr, a senior military commander of the Lebanese group recognized as terrorist by many countries. Reuters reported on Monday, citing U.S. officials, that at least five American forces were injured due to an attack on the Ain al-Assad military base in western Iraq. These officials, who wished to remain anonymous, added that the injuries of one of the wounded are serious. They noted that their statements are based on initial reports that may change. Reuters also reported, citing two Iraqi security sources, that the attack on this military base housing American forces in Anbar province was carried out using two Katyusha rockets. Intensive efforts by the U.S. government and contacts with Middle Eastern leaders to prevent escalation of tensions in the region are ongoing. Reports indicate that at least one missile has hit the Ain al-Assad base. The Middle East is concerned about military actions by the Islamic Republic; Biden has discussed with the King of Jordan and his national security team. Israeli military commanders have proposed to political officials: 'Launch a preemptive strike against the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah.'