Iran has reportedly conveyed a message to the Biden administration through several Arab countries, cautioning that any U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran would result in attacks on U.S. forces in the region, according to three U.S. officials speaking to Axios.
The warning comes as the U.S. and Israel brace for potential Iranian retaliation following an airstrike in Damascus that killed a top Iranian general. While Iran's supreme leader has vowed "punishment" for Israel, private communications suggest any response would be restrained.
Both Israel and the U.S. anticipate that an Iranian retaliation could involve ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and attack drones launched from Iran towards Israeli territory. The Biden administration has reportedly asked Israel to consult with the U.S. before taking any retaliatory actions.
A U.S. defense official informed Axios that additional military assets are being deployed to the region to enhance deterrence efforts and ensure the protection of U.S. forces.
U.S. officials revealed that Iran has blamed the U.S. for the airstrike in Damascus, irrespective of U.S. denials of involvement. The Iranian message conveyed was clear: any U.S. interference after an Iranian attack on Israel would prompt attacks on U.S. bases in the region.
President Biden and other officials have publicly pledged support for Israel against potential Iranian aggression. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured his Israeli counterpart of U.S. backing in defending against Iranian threats.
However, the U.S. remains uncertain about the scope of Iran's warning, whether it applies to U.S. assistance to Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles or only if the U.S. joins an Israeli counteroffensive.
While Iran's warnings through Arab countries have been explicit, communications with European foreign ministers suggest a more nuanced approach from Iran, indicating a preference for limited retaliation to avoid regional escalation.
Direct channels of communication between the U.S. and Iran have not conveyed any threats, according to officials, who have been coordinating with regional partners to de-escalate tensions.
U.S. CENTCOM commander Gen. Michael "Erik" Kurilla is reportedly in Israel to coordinate defensive measures with Israeli officials ahead of potential Iranian actions.
In response to the Damascus airstrike, the Biden administration has urged Israel to provide advance notice of any retaliatory strikes to avoid implications for U.S. forces in the region, following complaints from Secretary of Defense Austin about insufficient notification.
