On November 1, 2024, Axios reported that Iranian officials emphasize the "certainty" of future attacks against Israel, with preparations allegedly underway for a strike from Iraqi territory in the coming days. This comes ahead of the U.S. presidential elections scheduled for November 5.
According to Axios, the anticipated retaliation is expected to involve Iranian proxy groups in Iraq utilizing a significant number of drones and missiles. The report suggests that launching the attack from Iraq instead of directly from Iran might be a strategic choice to avoid immediate Israeli countermeasures against Iranian territory.
An American official indicated that Iran could quickly execute its plans if it decides unilaterally without U.S. awareness. Iranian and Iraqi officials have yet to respond to the Axios report, although Iranian leaders have made statements indicating a definitive response is forthcoming.
On October 31, Hossein Salami, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned Israeli officials about the consequences of their actions, stating, "You have not understood the Iranian nation; you will face an unimaginable response this time as well."
Ali Fadavi, the Deputy Commander of the IRGC, echoed this sentiment, asserting that Iran has not left any aggression unanswered in over 40 years and can target anything Israel possesses in a single operation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on October 30 that Israel has greater operational freedom in Iran and aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He refrained from disclosing specific strategies to achieve this goal.
Recent analytical reports, including satellite imagery, indicate significant damage to Iran's missile program, with claims that four Russian-made S-300 air defense systems were destroyed during Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military reportedly targeted radar systems used in Iranian missile attacks against Israel.
As tensions escalate, calls for restraint have come from the U.S., China, Russia, Europe, and regional countries, while Israeli officials warn that any retaliatory strike against Iran will be more severe and lethal.