Iran is issuing threats to deploy previously unused weaponry in retaliation to a potential Israeli counter-strike, with the Islamic Republic receiving backing from Russia.
Russia labeled Iran's attack self-defense after Iran placed the blame on Israel for airstrikes in Syria on the Iranian consulate that killed Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials. Israel has not claimed responsibility.
Moscow has been strengthening its ties with Tehran over recent years, a trend underscored during Russian President Putin's discussion with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday. While Putin emphasized the importance of all parties in the Middle East exercising restraint, both leaders agreed to enhance “bilateral cooperation in various fields, including the implementation of mutually beneficial infrastructure projects.”
Iran has reportedly already assisted Moscow in supplying thousands of drones and missiles for use in Russia's conflict in Ukraine. According to a report by The Washington Post, the Kremlin has agreed to provide Iran with advanced fighter jets and air defense technology.
In their phone call Tuesday, Raisi apparently told Putin that Iran is not looking for further escalation in the Middle East.
Despite intercepting 99% of all Iranian missiles and drones using Israeli defense systems and allied air forces, several Israeli officials have asserted that Iran's larger-than-expected attack over the weekend would not go unanswered.
According to media reports in Israel, whatever the Israeli response to the retaliation will be, Israel will likely consult the United States beforehand.
Israel's Channel N12 News suggests that the response would probably target the Iranian regime in a manner that avoids provoking a more significant retaliatory action. Pressure from Europe and certain Arab countries could compel Israel to pursue a retaliatory strategy that is less prone to sparking a significant escalation.
Experts and unnamed Israeli officials have floated several potential courses of action, including a large-scale cyber-attack, targeting Iranian proxies, or conducting covert operations inside Iran.
