Iran Press/West Asia: According to Axios news site, citing two unnamed sources familiar with the details, Israel’s current assessment was that Iran would launch a direct attack within days, possibly before renewed ceasefire-hostage deal talks on Thursday.
The report said that Iran wanted to launch a larger attack than it did on April 13-14, when hundreds of drones and missiles were launched in Iran’s first-ever direct attack on Israel.
According to the report, Israeli War Minister Yoav Gallant had spoken Sunday with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and told him Iran’s military preparations suggested Iran was getting ready for a large-scale attack on Israel.
The Pentagon later confirmed that the call took place, adding that Austin had ordered the deployment of the USS Georgia guided missile submarine to the Middle East amid the escalating tensions. Announcing the movements of a submarine is rare for the US.
In a statement, the Pentagon added that Austin had also ordered the Abraham Lincoln strike group to accelerate its deployment to the region.
Meanwhile, the Kan public broadcaster and Channel 13 news also reported Sunday evening that Israel’s updated assessment was that Tehran intends to launch a major attack this week.
Channel 13 reported, without citing sources, that there could be a combined attack by Iran and Hezbollah, whether simultaneously or successively.
The Hightening tensions have seen many major airlines cancel or delay their flights to Israel and other countries in the region.
Germany’s Lufthansa Group has extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv, Tehran, Beirut, Amman, and Erbil up to and including Aug. 21, the airline says amid fears of an escalation in conflict in the Middle East.
At the same time, Swiss International Air Lines says it has also extended the suspension of its flights to and from Tel Aviv and Beirut up to and including August 21.
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