According to a Reuters report, Iran has directed its allied militias and partners in Iraq and the broader region to prepare for escalation, amid heightened tensions between Tehran and the US-led coalition. The directive, attributed to Iranian leadership, did not specify a timeline or target.
According to a Reuters report cited by Israeli news channels this evening, Iran has instructed its allied militias in Iraq and the broader region to prepare for escalation. The directive, attributed to Iranian leadership, did not specify a timeline or target.
The new guidance follows earlier reports The Zioneer covered at Thu 17:15 Jerusalem, in which Iranian officials told Reuters that senior commanders are expediting discussions on a more severe response to any new large-scale US attack, including expanding target sets beyond US assets to include countries assisting American operations and targets outside the Middle East. That same report stated Iran had ordered affiliated groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq to prepare for coordinated action. Earlier Thursday, at 14:53 Jerusalem, a security channel reported that Iran was examining potential targets beyond US-related assets, and at 14:55 Jerusalem, Reuters reported that Iran is preparing for a broader and more powerful response if the US renews large-scale strikes, alongside continued diplomatic efforts that Iranian officials assess privately have low chances of success.
The current directive reflects a broader escalation posture that The Zioneer has tracked in recent months. As The Zioneer reported on Jul 17, Iran has been mobilizing regional proxies for war. On Sep 10, the Wall Street Journal reported that Arab and Israeli officials were preparing for a major escalation, citing the strain of US sanctions on Iran's economy. Iraq declared heightened alert in August, and Jordan has warned of potential militia attacks from Iraqi soil.
The latest directive remains at the level of preparation and planning; no overt military movements or attack orders have been reported. The scope and timing of any potential escalation remain unconfirmed.
2 developments
- StrongIraq declares heightened alert across all units amid Middle East escalation
- DevelopingFrance 24: Iran asks Hezbollah, allies to be on alert as clashes could escalate
- DevelopingArab and Israeli officials preparing for major Iran war escalation, WSJ reports
- StrongIran orders civil defense teams deployed ahead of expected US strikes
Source and signal
- Open-source intake