Iran on High Alert as Biden Mulls Response to Killing of US Servicemen
Iran has issued a warning to the US, stating that if it strikes directly on Iranian soil, Tehran will retaliate by targeting American assets in the Middle East. The Iranian regime is anxiously awaiting Joe Biden's response to the death of three US servicemen, which Washington attributes to a Tehran-backed militia in Syria. As tensions escalate, Iranian media is openly speculating on possible reprisals. The Iranian government has also summoned the British ambassador to demand an end to the UK's allegations of Iranian intimidation against dissidents in the country.
Iran Warns of Retaliation
Iran has sent a message to the US through intermediaries, cautioning that any direct strike on Iranian soil will result in Tehran striking back at American assets in the Middle East. This warning comes as Iran awaits Joe Biden's response to the killing of three US servicemen, which Washington claims was perpetrated by a Tehran-backed militia in Syria.
There have been more than 160 attacks on US bases in Syria and Iraq since October, causing concerns of a possible reprisal from the US. As a result, the Iranian rial has reached its lowest point against the dollar in 40 years. Despite Iran's denial of responsibility, US accusations of Iran supporting militant groups across the region continue to cast a shadow on relations between the two countries.
Speculations and Diplomatic Repercussions
Iranian media is openly discussing the nature of possible reprisals, often relying on US media reports for their speculations. Both Iran and the US have stated that they do not desire an open war. However, Iran considers a US attack on its territory as a red line that will trigger an appropriate response.
Tensions escalated to the point that the Iranian foreign ministry summoned the British ambassador to protest allegations that Iran is intimidating Iranian dissidents in the UK. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, remains confident that events in the region favor Iran. He stressed the need for a political solution and predicted the end of Benjamin Netanyahu's political career.
Challenges and Elections
Iran faces challenges on multiple fronts. Unrest has erupted in Kurdistan following the execution of four Kurds accused of collaborating with Israeli intelligence agencies. Images of deserted streets and closed shops in several cities highlight the extent of the unrest.
These executions may be part of a larger crackdown due to concerns within the Iranian regime about the level of support for its interventionist foreign policy. Economic hardships and political disaffection could lead to low voter turnout in the upcoming parliamentary elections. To encourage participation, the number of ballot boxes has been doubled, and candidates have been given additional airtime. However, if the turnout falls below 40%, it would be a blow to the regime's legitimacy and indicate widespread dissatisfaction.
