WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – The U.S. government warns Iran could attack Israel this week leading to fears of a regional war in the Middle East.
Leaders from around the world the U.K., Germany, even the Vatican have encouraged Iran not to attack Israel.
The Department of Defense is beefing up U.S. presence in the region.
The Israeli Defense Forces issued a warning to Iran saying, “We take the declarations and statements of our enemies seriously.”
The U.S. government believes Iran could attack Israel as early as this week.
“We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks,” said National Security Spokesperson John Kirby.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East, and he’s asked the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier group to get there quickly.
“We are committed to defending Israel and have put robust military capabilities in the region,” said State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel.
U.S. officials have warned Iran could attack Israel after two attacks on senior military leaders.
Israel says it killed a top commander of the Iranian backed militant group Hezbollah in July and Iran has blamed Israel for an airstrike in the Iranian capital that killed Hamas’s political leader.
Hamas carried out the October 7th attacks the deadliest in Israel’s history.
“We obviously don’t want to see any attack or response happening in the first place,” said Patel.
White House officials say they don’t know how the attacks will look if Iran decides to attack Israel.
Ceasefire talks are still panned for Thursday.
