Iran could retaliate within the next day or two, warn US officials

The United States believes that Iran may launch retaliatory attacks targeting American forces in West Asia within days, following Washington’s weekend airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, according to a report, citing two US officials on Monday.

One of the officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, warned that the response could come “within the next day or two,” as Tehran continues to threaten retaliation for the strikes.

Despite the heightened tensions, the officials emphasised that the US remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic resolution aimed at preventing further escalation.

US officials have cautioned Iran against launching any retaliation following Washington’s weekend strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with President Donald Trump warning that any Iranian response would be met with a force “far greater” than the original attacks.

In a statement on Sunday, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that the US military has stepped up protection measures for its forces in the region, including in Iraq and Syria.

The United States currently maintains nearly 40,000 troops across West Asia.

While many are equipped with advanced air defence systems, fighter jets, and naval assets capable of intercepting incoming threats, their positions remain exposed to potential Iranian strikes.

The Pentagon has relocated some aircraft and naval assets from West Asia bases deemed vulnerable to potential Iranian attacks, Reuters reported last week.

Among the repositioned forces were aircraft from Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, a 24-hectare facility near Doha that serves as the largest US military base in the region and hosts approximately 10,000 troops.

While Tehran has vowed to retaliate and defend itself following recent US strikes, it has so far refrained from directly targeting American bases or taking steps to close the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime corridor through which roughly a quarter of the world’s oil shipments pass.

The restraint is seen by some analysts as a possible attempt to avoid triggering an all-out war with the United States.

With inputs from agencies