Expect Iran to attack Israel 'sooner than later': Joe Biden
What's the story
The United States expects Iran to carry out strikes on many targets within Israel in the coming days, and it is prepared to help intercept any missiles launched at its ally, CNN reported.
President Joe Biden said he expects an Iranian attack on Israel "sooner rather than later" and sent a final warning to Tehran: "Don't."
As of late Friday, the US feared Iranian proxies could be involved in the strikes, targeting Israel and the surrounding region.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Iran had said it reserves the right "to take a decisive response" after an airstrike by suspected Israeli warplanes hit the Iranian consulate in Damascus on April 1.
The airstrike killed seven Iranians, including two generals of the Quds Force.
While Israel has repeatedly targeted Iranian-linked assets in Syria in recent months, this was the first time a strike hit an Iranian diplomatic building.
Last week, Iran urged the US to "step aside" as it prepared to attack Israel.
Preparations underway
Iran's military preparations indicate imminent attack
The US has reportedly observed Iran's internal movement of military assets, including drones and cruise missiles, suggesting preparations for an attack on Israeli targets from within its own borders.
According to two people familiar with US intelligence, as many as 100 cruise missiles have been readied by Iran.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Hezbollah claimed to have launched "dozens" of missiles from Lebanon at Israel. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokeswoman reported that around 40 missiles and two explosive drones had been launched.
Travel warnings
New travel advisories issued amid rising threat
As tensions rise, countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, India, and Australia have issued travel warnings to Israel.
Germany urged its nationals to leave Iran.
The US State Department also prohibited diplomatic officials and their families in Israel from traveling outside of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Beersheba.
Israeli radio reported that local authorities were instructed to prepare for the eventuality of an attack, including examining the readiness of public shelters.
Rising tensions
Potential escalation in Middle East conflict
A direct conflict between Iran and Israel would mark a significant escalation in the region, a situation the US has been striving to prevent since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
Iran backs Hamas as well as several proxy groups around the region, notably Hezbollah in Lebanon, which routinely attacks Israel.
The Israel-Hamas war started on October 7 after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on the Jewish nation from the Gaza Strip. The attack resulted in more than 1,200 deaths, primarily Israelis.