Iran has put its defense systems around its nuclear facilities on high alert, according to two high-ranking government sources, who spoke to The Telegraph. The move is a response to growing concerns over a potential joint military operation by Israel and the United States.
Official statements indicate that the measures are a reaction to the increasing anxiety over a possible joint military action by Israel and the United States. Prior to this, US intelligence agencies had warned both the Biden and Trump administrations that Israel was likely to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities this year.
Recent developments, including comments from Donald Trump and reports of possible plans by his administration to attack Iran, have further intensified the activities aimed at protecting Iran’s nuclear facilities.
General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) air and space forces, announced this week that Iran has developed a ballistic missile defense system to defend against an Israeli attack. He said the defense system would be completed in March and would provide a ballistic defense for Tehran and several major cities.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government, with the support of Trump, intended to “finish the job” with Iran. Analysts believe it is unlikely that Israel would be able to destroy Iran’s nuclear program without the help of the United States.
Trump has expressed support for an agreement with Tehran, but also made it clear that he would consider military measures by the US if the negotiations fail.
The Iranian official, who spoke to The Telegraph, said that in Tehran, now there is a fear that “the US might join Israel and launch a larger attack that could threaten the existence of the Islamic Republic”.
One of the challenges for Israel in the event of an attack on Iran is that its combat aircraft would have to fly more than 1,500 kilometers to reach the targets, requiring mid-air refueling over potentially hostile territory, while also facing the Iranian air defense.