Iran Outlines Plans for Retaliation Against Israel, WSJ Reports
The article highlights the complex geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the strategic considerations influencing Iran's response. It underscores the delicate balance between retaliation and avoiding broader conflict, while also considering the impact on potential ceasefires in the region.
HASSAN BENYOUB 
The Wall Street Journal has revealed Iran's plans for retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on June 31. The American newspaper, in a report published Wednesday on its website, cited a statement obtained from Iran's mission to the United Nations detailing Tehran's response strategy.
According to the WSJ, Iran has identified three main axes for its expected retaliation, as the Islamic Republic accuses Israel of involvement in the operation. Israel has not officially commented on the assassination.
The Iranian statement emphasizes that Tehran has decided to temporarily suspend its response to Israel due to ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza war. The three-pronged approach outlined by Iran includes punishing Israel, deterring similar future attacks, and avoiding any counterproductive reaction that could negatively impact the anticipated Gaza truce.
Quoting the Iranian statement, the WSJ reports: "The timing, circumstances, and method of Iran's response will be precisely coordinated to ensure it occurs at the moment of maximum surprise. Perhaps when their eyes are on the sky and their radar screens, they will be surprised from the ground, or possibly even through a combination of both."
A senior U.S. official told the WSJ that the potential Gaza ceasefire is not the only factor causing Iran to carefully consider its next move. Tehran also fears that a second direct attack on Israel this year could lead to a wider regional war, which would come at a high cost for Iran given its struggling economy and the possibility of direct U.S. involvement in the conflict.
The U.S. official stated, "They don't want to get involved in this course of action."
This development highlights the complex geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the careful calculations being made by regional powers in response to recent events.
