The US are preparing to attack Iranian proxy group the Islamic Resistance in Iraq after they killed three American troops in Jordan that also injured 40.
British forces in the Middle East are now on high alert and UK bases and warships have all stepped up defences and security as they are preparing for the US attacks.
The drone attack by the Islamic Resistance who are part of Kataib Hezbollah, hit the US outpost Tower 22 and now the Pentagon are planning a retaliatory attack that could risk escalating the crisis in the Middle East.
The HMS Diamond and HMS Richmond are patrolling the Red Sea to protect shipping from the Iranian backed Houthis militants based in Yemen who are attacking commercial vessels.
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Amir Saeid Iravani, Iran’s ambassador to the UN in New York, warned, “The Islamic Republic would decisively respond to any attack on the county, its interests and nationals under any pretexts.”
He said that Iran will hit back with a “strong response,” whilst the Revolutionary Guard chief General Hossein Salami said, “We are not after war, but we have no fear of war.”
On Wednesday evening a security source said, “The delay in US response is because they are lining up all their assets in preparation, improving security at bases and getting ready.
“It is probable that non-essential staff will be sent home as a precaution against some kind of military push-back from Iran.”
Terrorism expert and ex-FBI specialist Ali Soufan warned, “The US response to the attack in Jordan could unfold along several lines of effort.
“One response could be to target Iranian-backed militia infrastructure and personnel in western Iraq and eastern Syria.
“The US intelligence community maintains high-level intelligence on Iranian targets and has a long list of sites to choose from.
“The goal will be to respond directly to the perpetrators of the attack in Jordan, which is the most justifiable politically for the Biden administration. The response to the Jordan attack could be a tiered approach, sustained over days at different sites.
“The US military could also target Iranian naval assets in the Persian Gulf, an option favoured by those in Washington calling for the Biden administration to exact a higher price on Iran.
“This remains to be determined, especially when considering the administration’s desire to avoid further escalation.”
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