'Nowhere will be safe': How Iran is preparing for possible Israeli retaliation

‘Nowhere will be safe’: How Iran is preparing for possible Israeli retaliation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted on Wednesday that Israel would independently decide how to protect itself even as Western nations urged restraint in response to a series of attacks from Iran.

The United States, European Union, and G7 group of industrialized countries have all declared intentions to consider stricter sanctions on Iran, seemingly aimed at appeasing Israel and convincing it to limit its retaliation for the first-ever direct Iranian strikes following decades of proxy confrontation.

Earlier, Netanyahu met with the German and British foreign ministers, who traveled to Israel as part of a coordinated effort to prevent the confrontation between Israel and Iran from escalating into a regional conflict fueled by the Gaza war. Netanyahu’s office said that he expressed gratitude to Annalena Baerbock and David Cameron for their support while emphasizing, “I want to make it clear – we will make our own decisions, and the State of Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.”

Iran attacked in retaliation for a suspected Israeli airstrike on its embassy compound in Damascus on April 1. Israel and its allies mostly shot down all missiles and drones, resulting in no casualties, but Israel maintains that it must retaliate to maintain the credibility of its deterrents. Iran considers the matter closed but warns of further retaliation if Israel takes action.

Iranians anxious as Israel weighs strike response

The possibility of an Israeli counterstrike in response to Iran’s recent drone and missile assault has heightened concerns among Iranians, who are already grappling with economic difficulties and increased socio-political restrictions following the 2022-23 protests.

Hesam, a 45-year-old teacher from Amol, expressed his apprehension about the repercussions of increased hostilities. “Economic pressure will mount, our safety will be jeopardized… We must avoid conflict at all cost. I don’t want a war. How can I protect my two children? Nowhere will be safe.”

Similarly, Parvaneh, a housewife from Yazd, voiced her fear that an Israeli strike might devastate an already struggling economy. “We Iranians have endured more than enough for years. War brings only disaster. My husband is a factory worker. We do not have even enough money to buy staples let alone stockpiling them,” she told Reuters.

The economic strain is most acutely felt by middle and lower-income groups in Iran, where inflation exceeds 50%, and the costs of utilities, food, and housing continue to climb. Meanwhile, the value of the Iranian rial has plummeted.

Despite these challenges, there is a sense of nationalistic pride among some Iranians over their government’s forceful response to what was reported by Tehran as an Israeli attack on its consulate in Damascus on April 1. “I am so proud of the attacks on Israel. They started it. We had to retaliate. Israel cannot do a damn thing. They know Iran is very powerful,” stated Hossein Sabahi, a 30-year-old government worker in Tabriz.

In the aftermath of the drone and missile strike, state television broadcast footage of small demonstrations across several cities, where participants chanted “Death to Israel” and “Death to America,” supporting Tehran’s aggressive stance.

How Iran is preparing for Israel’s response

However, Tehran is bracing for potential Israeli retaliatory actions. According to a Wall Street Journal report, here’s how Iran is gearing up across multiple fronts:

• Military readiness: Iran has ramped up its military defenses, with its air force preparing for potential strikes. The navy is also being mobilized to escort commercial ships in the Red Sea, indicating a comprehensive defensive strategy.
• Evacuations and redeployments: In anticipation of an Israeli response, Iran has begun evacuating personnel from strategic locations in Syria, where its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has a significant presence. This includes both Syrian and Iranian sites, highlighting the scale of Iran’s preparedness.
• IRGC and Hezbollah’s tactical shifts: The presence of senior officers of both the IRGC and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has been reduced in Syria. Meanwhile, midranking officers are moving to different locations within the country, showcasing a strategic repositioning to mitigate risks.
• Coordination with Hezbollah: Hezbollah, Iran’s potent proxy, is also on high alert, adjusting its posture based on Iranian advice and likely Israeli military calculations. This coordination is crucial as both sides navigate the precarious balance of deterrence and engagement.
• Intelligence and security measures: With the Syrian border a potential hotspot, Hezbollah has reportedly increased its intelligence activities there, preparing for any Israeli military actions. This suggests a heightened state of readiness and strategic foresight.
• Nuclear program safeguards: Amidst the regional military tensions, Iran has also taken steps to protect its nuclear program. This includes temporary closures and adjusted monitoring protocols, reflecting the broader security measures being enacted across the board.

(With inputs from agencies)

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