Israeli security agencies assess that after a recent series of Iranian actions,
the US is close to mounting major retaliatory measures. Israel's Channel 15
reported Washington's consensus is that current developments represent an
escalation pattern requiring a broader, tougher response; a senior Israeli
security source said the Americans are preparing an operation much larger than
previously seen. Israeli-collected intelligence points to preparations for a
large-scale military operation rather than a localized strike, based on multiple
incidents: an Iranian missile attack on US forces in Jordan; Iran-backed groups
striking Saudi targets from Iraq; Tehran issuing threats to Azerbaijan and
Ukraine; refusal to compromise on the Strait of Hormuz; and reported recent
attacks on Egyptian territory. Security sources say these events indicate Iran
is intensifying multi-front confrontations and that a US response is likely to
be broader and firmer than before.
