(NewsNation) — Iran is preparing to “imminently” attack Israel with a ballistic missile following Israel’s ground invasion of Lebanon, a senior U.S. official confirmed to NewsNation.
“We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack,” the White House official said. “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.”
U.S. ships and aircraft are already positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack by Iran. There are three U.S. Navy destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea, an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman and fighter jets arrayed throughout the region. All have the capability to shoot down incoming missiles.
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Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks last year, Israel launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip. As the conflict dragged on, fears of a wider regional war increased.
Tensions between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel have ramped up in recent weeks. Following the death of a top Hezbollah commander, Israel launched what it described as a “limited military campaign” in Lebanon.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of attempting to invade the country from the north and engaged in a number of attacks against the group. Prior to the ground assault, Israel told people in 27 villages near the Lebanese border to evacuate.
There is no indication of how large the attack from Iran is expected to be.
The U.S. recently deployed additional troops to the region, though there are no current plans to send another aircraft carrier to the region.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.