Is Israel Trying To Provoke A War With Iran Before The U.S. Presidential Election?

A satellite image of the Iran Centrifuge Assembly Center building at Iran's Natanz Enrichment Site on July 4, two days after an explosion. Google Earth/CNES/Airbus via Institute for Science and International Security

Mitch Prothero, Business Insider: Israel keeps blowing up military targets in Iran, hoping to force a confrontation before Trump can be voted out in November, sources say

* Iran has suffered a series of bombings and fires at military facilities in recent weeks, including at major missile-production and nuclear facilities.
* This is part of a wider campaign to damage Iran or even pressure it into military confrontation before the November election, when President Donald Trump could be voted out, sources told Insider.
* A former Israeli defense official told Insider it was common knowledge that at least some of the latest attacks in Iran were done by Israeli intelligence.
* An EU official also told Insider that they feared Israel was planning to provoke Iran into military confrontation "while Trump remains in office."
* Israel would not be able to engage in such high-pressure operations if Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, were in office, the EU official added.

Israel is involved in an extended campaign to pressure or damage Iran before President Donald Trump can be voted out of office in the November election, a former Israeli defense official and a current European Union intelligence official told Insider.

Iran has seen weekly incidents, including explosions at a missile-production facility on June 22; the Natanz nuclear facility, Iran's largest uranium-enrichment center, on July 2; and an important shipyard in the port city of Bushehr on Wednesday.

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WNU Editor: If I was paid for every conspiracy story that I have read in the past few years, I would be a very rich man. Take the above post. It cites no evidence, just anonymous sources who are giving an opinion.

Is The U.S. And Israel Waging A Series Of Short-Of-War Clandestine Strikes Against Iran?

A satellite image of the destruction at Natanz, as seen on July 4.Credit...via Institute for Science and International Security

New York Times: Long-Planned and Bigger Than Thought: Strike on Iran’s Nuclear Program

Some officials say that a joint American-Israeli strategy is evolving — some might argue regressing — to a series of short-of-war clandestine strikes.

As Iran’s center for advanced nuclear centrifuges lies in charred ruins after an explosion, apparently engineered by Israel, the long-simmering conflict between the United States and Tehran appears to be escalating into a potentially dangerous phase likely to play out during the American presidential election campaign.

New satellite photographs over the stricken facility at Natanz show far more extensive damage than was clear last week. Two intelligence officials, updated with the damage assessment for the Natanz site recently compiled by the United States and Israel, said it could take the Iranians up to two years to return their nuclear program to the place it was just before the explosion. An authoritative public study estimates it will be a year or more until Iran’s centrifuge production capacity recovers.

Another major explosion hit the country early Friday morning, lighting up the sky in a wealthy area of Tehran. It was still unexplained — but appeared to come from the direction of a missile base. If it proves to have been another attack, it will further shake the Iranians by demonstrating, yet again, that even their best-guarded nuclear and missile facilities have been infiltrated.

Although Iran has said little of substance about the explosions, Western officials anticipate some type of retaliation, perhaps against American or allied forces in Iraq, perhaps a renewal of cyberattacks. In the past, those have been directed against American financial institutions, a major Las Vegas casino and a dam in the New York suburbs or, more recently, the water supply system in Israel, which its government considers “critical infrastructure.”

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WNU Editor: The New York Times is convinced that the U.S. and Israel are waging a series of clandestine strikes against Iran. I am not sure about that, but someone is definitely dedicating a lot of time to cause damage to critical Iranian structures and programs.

Kuwaiti Media Claiming Israel Launched A Cyber Attack On A Major Iranian Enrichment Site, And An F-35 Strike At A Missile Base

Fighter jets from the IAF’s second F-35 squadron, the Lions of the South, fly over southern Israel (IDF spokesperson)

Times of Israel: Report: Israeli cyberattack caused Iran nuclear site fire, F35s hit missile base

Kuwaiti newspaper cites unnamed senior source as saying Jerusalem behind recent incidents in Iran, following an alleged attempt by Tehran to hack Israel’s water infrastructure.

Israel was responsible for two blasts at Iranian facilities — one related to uranium enrichment, the other for missile production — over the past week, a Kuwaiti newspaper reported Friday.

The Al-Jareeda daily cited an unnamed senior source as saying that an Israeli cyberattack caused a fire and explosion at the largely underground Natanz nuclear enrichment facility in the predawn hours of Thursday morning.

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WNU Editor: Iran is issuing threats .... Iran threatens retaliation after what it calls possible cyber attack on nuclear site (Reuters). Israel is expecting an Iranian response .... Israel said bracing for retaliation as Tehran points fingers over nuke site fire (Times of Israel).

More News On Reports That Israel Is Responsible For Recent Incidences At Iran's Nuclear And Missile Sites

'Israeli cyberattack caused explosions at Iran nuclear site - and was in retaliation for Tehran's attempt to hack Israel's water infrastructure' -- Daily Mail
Israeli F-35s & Cyberattack Behind Explosions at Iran’s Military Complex, Nuclear Site, Media Claims -- Sputnik
Iran says identifies cause of nuclear 'accident' -- AFP
Iran Says It Identified Cause Of Natanz 'Incident' But Won’t Disclose It -- RFE
Iran threatens retaliation over damaged nuclear site -- The Hill
What took place at the Iranian Natanz nuclear facility? -- Jerusalem Post

Israel, Iran Leaders Trade Threats On Twitter

"He should know that any regime that threatens Israel with extermination will find itself in similar danger," Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured May 17, 2020) tweeted about Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AFP Photo/Adina Valman)

AFP: Israel, Iran leaders trade Twitter blows

Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday warned arch-foe Iran after supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei tweeted comments accusing Israel of "state terrorism" and calling for "eliminating the Zionist regime".

"He should know that any regime that threatens Israel with extermination will find itself in similar danger," Netanyahu wrote on his official Twitter feed in Hebrew.

He was responding to comments posted on Twitter by Khamenei on Wednesday in Farsi, English and Arabic.

"Eliminating the Zionist regime doesn't mean eliminating Jews. We aren’t against Jews," Khamenei wrote, explaining that what he meant was to "expel thugs like Netanyahu".

"This is 'eliminating Israel'," he added.

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Update: Bitter Israel-Iran rivalry takes new forms online (France 24)

WNU Editor: The Iranian leader's Twitter page is here. Israel PM Netanyahu's Twitter page is here.

Israel Vows To Continue Military Operations Against Iran In Syria

14 Iranians and #Iran-backed militants were killed in the alleged #Israeli airstrikes in Deir Ezzor in eastern #Syria last night, according to SOHR. The death toll is expected to rise as injuries were reported with some in critical conditions.https://t.co/3PjG49DbVK

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) May 5, 2020

FOX News: Israel tells Iran it will continue Syria operations: 'We won't stop before they leave'

Israeli Defense Minister Naftali Bennett said Tuesday the country will continue to pursue military operations in Syria, as long as Iran remains involved there.

"Iran has nothing to do in Syria,” Bennett said during an interview with the state-owned television channel Kan 11. “We won't stop before they leave Syria."

Bennett’s announcement came just hours after airstrikes hit Iranian-backed fighters in the cities of Al-Quriyah, Al-Salihyah and Al-Mayadin in eastern Syria, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

Fourteen Iranians and Iranian-back militia were killed in the strikes in eastern Syria, which borders Iran. Israel has not yet claimed responsibility for the strikes.

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WNU Editor: Israel is saying that their air strikes are having an impact on Iran's presence in Syria .... Defense officials: Iran pulling out of Syria as Israel pummels its forces there (Times of Israel). More here .... How Iran’s Syria project ground to a halt over six months (Jerusalem Post).

More News On Israel Vowing To Continue Military Operations Against Iran In Syria

Israel vows to pursue Syria operations until Iran leaves -- AFP
Defense Minister: Israel to continue operations in Syria until Iran leaves -- i24 News
Israel steps up military campaign against Iran’s military entrenchment in Syria -- Long War Journal
Strikes in eastern Syria reportedly kill Iranian and Iraqi fighters -- Middle East Eye
Iranian, Iraqi Fighters Reported Killed In Israeli Air Strikes In Syria -- RFE
Israeli aircraft reportedly pound military outposts in Syria -- Al Jazeera

Israeli Defense Minister Says Will Turn Syria Into 'Iranian Vietnam'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Naftali Bennett visit Golan Heights base overlooking Syria last year. Image source: GPO/Haaretz

Zero Hedge: Israel To Step Up "Offensive Action" - Will Turn Syria Into "Iranian Vietnam": Israeli Defense Chief

After over two years of sporadic Israeli air and missile attacks inside Syria, which Syria's military has been more aggressive in responding to of late, Israel has issued a rare statement revealing its medium to long-term strategy, saying it will soon step up "offensive action" in the country to ensure Iranian fighters depart.

Speaking to Ynet News on Wednesday the new Israeli Defense Minister, Naftali Bennett said, “We will go from preventive action to offensive action — the only measure that guarantees us the expulsion of Iran out of Syria.”

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Update #1: Naftali Bennett: To stop Gaza terror, focus on Iran and Syria (Jerusalem Post)
Update #2: Israel turns its effort from Hamas, Hezbollah to Iran (Middle East Monitor)

WNU Editor: Iran is fully committed to keeping a presence in Syria. It is going to make more than threats from the Israeli Defense Minister to force them out.

Israel And The U.S. Issue Warnings That Iran Is Planning More Attacks

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley shaking hands with IDF chief Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi after landing in Israel, November 24, 2019.Israel Defense Forces

Haaretz: Netanyahu, Top U.S. Commander Warn of More Attacks by Iran in the Middle East

'The attack on the oil fields in Saudi was stunning in the depth of its audaciousness,' General Kenneth McKenzie said. Netanyahu: Iran planning 'additional attacks'

U.S. Central Command chief General Kenneth McKenzie spoke over the weekend about the probability of a large-scale attack by Iran in the Middle East. “My judgment is that it is very possible they will attack again,” General McKenzie said in an interview ahead of an international security conference on Saturday.

“It’s the trajectory and the direction that they’re on,” he added. “The attack on the oil fields in Saudi was stunning in the depth of its audaciousness,” he said speaking in a series of interviews. “I wouldn’t rule that out going forward.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted McKenzie's remarks at the opening of a cabinet meeting Sunday and said that Iran was planning "additional attacks."

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More News On Concerns That Iran Is Planning More Attacks

Iran planning attacks on Israel: Netanyahu -- AFP
Top US General warns it's 'very possible Iran will attack again' following strike on Saudi oil facilities -- Daily Mail
U.S. and France vie to bolster Gulf security after Saudi oil attack -- Reuters
Intensity of U.S. military visits shows urgency of Iran threat - analysis -- Jerusalem Post

Israel Strikes Dozens Of Iranian Targets In Syria Following Rocket Barrage

#BREAKING: We just carried out wide-scale strikes of Iranian Quds Force & Syrian Armed Forces targets in Syria in response to the rockets fired at Israel by an Iranian force in Syria last night.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 20, 2019

Times of Israel/AFP: Israel strikes ‘dozens’ of targets in Syria over rockets fired by Iranian force

Army says it attacked Iranian and regime sites in the country, blames Tehran’s Quds force for launches at Israel; footage shows nighttime blasts over Damascus

The Israeli military on Tuesday night said it struck dozens of targets in Syria belonging to Iranian forces and the Syrian regime, in response to the launching of four rockets at Israel in the early morning.

The announcement by the IDF was a rare admission of military action in the Arab state. Jerusalem has carried out hundreds of attacks in the war-torn nation, mostly against Iranian targets, but seldom confirms any specific strike.

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More News On Israeli Strikes Against Dozen Of Targets In Syria

Israel strikes Iranian targets in Syria after rocket attack -- AP
Israel says attacks military targets in Syria in retaliation for Tuesday rockets -- Reuters
IDF attacks dozens of terror targets in Syria -- Arutz Sheva
Israel attacks dozens of Iranian Quds, Syrian regime targets -- Jerusalem Post
Israel and Syria exchange fire, Syrian aerial defense batteries destroyed, Israeli military says -- FOX News
Israel says attacks Syria military targets after rocket launches -- Al Jazeera
Israel says it hit ‘dozens’ of Iranian & Syrian military targets in response to rocket fire -- RT
IDF Confirms Its Fighter Jets Attacked 'Dozens of Military Targets' in Syria -- Sputnik

Iran's Top General Says Destroying Israel Is Now An 'Achievable Goal'

Commander of Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said that the Islamic Republic has "prepared the capability" to remove the Israeli regime from the map of the world.

MEHR News Agency: Destroying Israeli regime 'an achievable goal', says IRGC cmdr.

“We have created the capability to destroy the fake Zionist regime, and this sinister regime should be removed from the map of the world; this is no longer an ideal nor dream but an achievable goal,” Major General Hossein Salami said on Monday in the 23rd nationwide IRGC commanders’ conference in Tehran

“Today, we are able to attack the enemy on any scale, with any intensity, precision, and area and our power is credible,” he added.

“Today, the enemy is more confused than ever; and we are not worried. The spirit of our resistance stems from wisdom, awareness, and resolve,” he said.

“Over time, the Islamic Revolution of Iran has expanded, conquering new spaces; and hostilities against it also grows more complex.”

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More News On Iran's Top General Saying Destroying Israel Is Now An 'Achievable Goal'

Top Iran general says destroying Israel 'achievable goal' -- France 24
‘Iran has created necessary conditions for destruction of Zionist regime’ -- Tehran Times
Guards Top Commander Says Iran Has Prepared 'The Capability To Annihilate' Israel -- Radio Farda
IRGC Chief: Elimination of Israel Not a Dream -- Tasnim News Agency

Air Strikes Strike Positions Of Iran-Backed Militias Near Syria's Border With Iraq

BBC: Syria war: 'Air strikes' hit Iran-backed forces near Iraq border

Warplanes have struck positions of Iran-backed militias near Syria's border with Iraq, activists say.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, said at least 18 Iranian and pro-Iranian fighters were killed.

It was not clear who carried out the overnight strikes in and around the town of Albu Kamal.

But Israel has carried out hundreds of attacks on Iranian-linked targets in Syria during the country's civil war.

It has sought to thwart what it calls Iran's "military entrenchment" in Syria and shipments of Iranian weapons to militant groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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WNU Editor: It looks like the Israeli air force is busy.

More News On Reports That Warplanes Have Struck Positions Of Iran-Backed Militias Near Syria's Border With Iraq

At least 21 dead, after attacks on Iranian-backed militias in Syria - report -- Jerusalem Post
Activists: Airstrikes on Iran-backed groups in Syria kill 18 -- AP
Air strikes kill 18 pro-Iran fighters in east Syria: monitor -- AFP
Report: Iraqi militias attacked near Syria border -- Arutz Sheva
Several said killed in strikes on Iran-backed militia base on Syria-Iraq border -- Times of Israel
Airstrikes at Al Bukamal? The alleged Iranian base and the 'explosions' -- Jerusalem Post

Israeli PM Netanyahu Hints That Israel Launched Attacks Against Iranian Targets In Iraq

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, on July 23, 2019. (Marc Israel Sellem/POOL)

Times of Israel: Netanyahu says he’s doing everything to defend Israel, including ‘in Iraq’

PM’s comment comes after Iraqi government accuses Jerusalem of attack on powerful Iran-backed paramilitary force in its territory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday appeared to drop the biggest hint yet that Israel was operating in Iraq against Iranian interests.

Netanyahu, during a Facebook live stream to supporters, said: “I am doing everything to defend our nation’s security from all directions: in the north facing Lebanon and Hezbollah, in Syria facing Iran and Hezbollah, unfortunately in Iraq as well facing Iran. We are surrounded by radical Islam led by Iran.”

His comments came after the Iraqi government accused Israel of being behind an attack on a powerful Iran-backed paramilitary force in its territory earlier this week.

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Update: Netanyahu Confirms Israeli Attacks In Iraq (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: It is a big hint.

Israel Releases Footage Of Iranian Special Forces Preparing 'Killer Drone' For Attack

The weekend that could have turned out differently if it hadn’t been for one bold move: pic.twitter.com/iYrgwjuv6V

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 26, 2019

Daily Mail: Israel releases footage of Iranian special forces preparing 'killer drone' for attack on the Jewish state and the dead operatives killed in the strike

* Israeli aircraft hit Iranian Quds Forces and Shiite militias near Damascus, Syria
* Israel Defense Forces posted a video of 'Iranian soldiers carrying a killer drone'
* Claimed they were planning to target the Jewish state, so they were neutralised
* IDF claimed that the two men killed were 'Lebanese Shiite militia operatives'
* Comes after sustained attacks in Syria and Lebanon by Israel over the weekend

Israel has today released footage of Iranian special force operatives allegedly preparing a 'killer drone' for an attack on the Jewish state - as well as pictures of the dead men it neutralised in an air strike on Saturday.

Aircraft struck Iranian Quds Forces and Shiite militias near Damascus, Syria, on Saturday, an Israeli military spokesman confirmed.

Israel Defense Forces' Twitter page released the surveillance video today of soldiers carrying what appears to be a weapon over wasteland.

It was captioned: 'IDF intelligence can now release the surveillance footage of Iranian Quds Force operatives in Syria carrying a killer drone that they intended to use for an attack on Israel.'

It added: 'How do you foil an attack of killer drones? Killer intel.'

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WNU Editor: The IDF has been very opened on how this entire operation went down.

After Recent Military Strikes, Israeli Ministers Warn Iran Is ‘Not Safe Anywhere’

Israel says it struck IRGC Quds Force positions outside the Syrian capital of Damascus. Aug. 25, 2019. (Photo: Social Media)

Times of Israel: After strike on drone plot, Israeli ministers warn Iran is ‘not safe anywhere’

Environment Protection Minister Elkin says Tehran is building an ’empire’ across the Middle East aimed at destroying Israel; Foreign Minister Katz says Iran has ‘no immunity’.

Members of Israel’s top-level security cabinet warned Sunday morning that Iran should not feel safe “anywhere” after Israel took responsibility for an airstrike in Syria it said thwarted an Iranian plan to attack the Jewish state with explosive drones.

“We are taking responsibility for the attack in Syria and are saying that Iran should feel it is not safe anywhere,” Environmental Protection Minister Ze’ev Elkin told Channel 13 TV news.

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Update #1: Israel says air strike in Syria sent 'no immunity' message to Iran (Reuters)
Update #2: Iran 'Not Safe Anywhere', Israeli Ministers Warn in Wake of IDF Airstrike on Syria (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: The Israeli-Iran conflict is definitely escalating .... Israel secretly expanded its Iran fight to Iraq, and it risks igniting a much larger conflict (Business Insider).

Israel: Iranian Commander Soleimani Personally Oversaw Drone Attack Plan

Iranian Revolutionary Guard Commander Qassem Soleimani (left) stands on the frontlines during an offensive operation against Islamic State in the town of Tal Ksaiba, in Iraq, in 2015. (photo credit: STRINGER/ REUTERS)

Times of Israel: IDF chief: Iranian commander Soleimani personally oversaw drone attack plan

Army says Tehran sent kamikaze UAVs and military advisers to Syria to attack Israel; Iranian combatant, Hezbollah fighters among 5 dead in Israeli strike.

The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday said the attack drones that Iran intended to use against the Jewish state on Saturday night were flown into Syria from Tehran several weeks ago, along with Iranian military officials to act as advisers.

The plan was personally overseen by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, the IDF chief of staff said.

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More News On Israeli Claims That Iranian Commander Soleimani Personally Oversaw Drone Attack Plan

IDF chief says Iranian Quds Force leader Soleimani behind suicide drone attack plot -- i24 News
Israel Says Iran's Quds Force Team Arrived in Syria Months Ago to Prepare for Drone Attack -- Arutz Sheva
An angry Qasem Soleimani won't give up on his dream to attack Israel -- Jerusalem Post

Israel Launches Airstrikes Into Syria To Thwart A Planned Attack On Israel By Iran-Backed Fighters Using Armed Drones

Syrian air defence batteries respond to what state media said were Israeli missiles near Damascus earlier this year (AFP/file photo)

Times of Israel: Israeli jets strike in Syria to thwart attack by Iranian ‘killer drones’

Army says it carried out airstrikes near Damascus to foil ‘imminent’ IRGC plot to hit sites inside Israel with UAVs armed with explosives; Syria claims it downed Israeli missiles.

Israeli fighter jets carried out airstrikes in Syria to thwart a planned attack on Israel by Iran-backed fighters using armed drones, the Israel Defense Forces said Saturday night.

The Israeli military said its strike late Saturday targeted operatives from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force as well as Shiite militias who had been planning on sending “kamikaze” attack drones into Israel armed with explosives.

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More News On Saturday's Israeli Airstrikes In Syria

Israel says it thwarted imminent Iranian attack from Syria -- CTV/AP
Israeli jets hit targets in Syria to prevent Iranian drone attack: army -- AFP
Israel strikes at Iranian forces over Damascus to take down alleged armed drones -- CBC/Reuters
Israel says latest Syria airstrike thwarted 'imminent' attack by Iranian drones -- FOX News
Israel claims responsibility for airstrikes near Damascus, saying it foiled 'large-scale attack' by Iran -- CNN
Drones, Shiite militias at heart of Iranian threat to Israel -- Jerusalem Post
Israel Strikes Syria, Says It Foiled Iranian Drone Attack -- Haaretz
Israel says it hit targets in Syria to prevent Iranian “killer” drone attack -- Middle East Eye

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Hints Again That Israel Is Attacking Iran-Backed Militias In Iraq

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu inspecting an Adir F-35 stealth fighter at the Nevatim Air Force Base on July 9, 2019. (Ariel Hermoni/Defense Ministry)

Times of Israel: Netanyahu hints again that Israel attacked Iran-backed militias in Iraq

‘We’re acting in very many theaters against a state that seeks to annihilate us,’ PM says, following similar statements earlier this week.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to hint on Thursday that Israel was behind attacks against Iran-backed militias in Iraq over the past month.

“I don’t grant Iran immunity anywhere,” he said to Channel 9. “Iran is a state, a power, that has sworn to annihilate Israel. It’s trying to establish bases against us everywhere. In Iran itself, in Lebanon, in Syria, in Iraq, in Yemen.”

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Update #1: Netanyahu hints at Israeli involvement in Iraq blasts -- Reuters
Update #2: Netanyahu: We are working against Iran in Iraq -- Arutz Sheva

WNU Editor: Someone got to this guy .... Head of Iran-backed militia in Iraq walks back US accusation (Arab News/AP).

Iran Warns Israel To Not Participate In The U.S. Led Naval Mission In Strait of Hormuz

The US has been looking for allies for a naval mission in the strait of Hormuz [File: Donald Holbert/US Navy via Reuters]

Al Jazeera: Iran warns Israel against aiding US mission in Strait of Hormuz

Tehran says it will have the right to take action if Israel becomes involved in the US-led naval mission

Iran has warned Israel against aiding a United States-led maritime mission in the Gulf, saying it reserved the right to confront such a "clear threat".

The comments on Friday by foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi came after Israeli media reported that Israel's Minister of Foreign Affairs Israel Katz had told colleagues in a closed-door meeting on Tuesday that the country was assisting the US-led coalition with intelligence and other unspecified aid.

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More News On Iran Warning Israel To Not Participate In The U.S. Led Naval Mission In Strait of Hormuz

Iran’s bluster over 'Israel in the Persian Gulf' -- Jerusalem Post
Iran Says Israel Joining U.S. Coalition Will Have 'Disastrous Consequences,' Looks for More Arab Support -- Newsweek
Iran Deems Israel's Participation in US-Led Gulf Mission a Threat It 'Has a Right' to Confront -- Sputnik

Report: Israel Launched Two Attacks Using F-35s On Iranian Targets In Iraq This Month

Israeli F-35Is in action.

Jerusalem Post: Report: Israel launched two attacks on Iranian targets in Iraq in July

According to Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, Israel attacked a base in Ashraf, Iraq northeast of Baghdad on Sunday, targeting Iranian advisers and a shipment of ballistic missiles from Iran.

The first attack happened on July 19 at a base in Amerli in the Saladin province north of Baghdad. Iraqi and Iranian sources blamed Israel at the time, and Asharq Al-Awsat reported that “diplomatic sources” confirmed the attack, specifying that it was carried out by an Israeli F-35.

Al Arabiya television news reported that Iranian-made ballistic missiles were transported to the base shortly before the attack via trucks used to transport refrigerated food. The identity of the aircraft which conducted the attack was unspecified at the time, and the US denied any involvement. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Hezbollah members were killed in the airstrike, according to Al Arabiya. However, the Iranian-backed al-Hashd ash-Sha’abi (Popular Mobilization Forces) denied that any Iranians were killed, according to Fars News Agency.

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More News On Reports That Israel Launched Two Attacks Using F-35s On Iranian Targets In Iraq This Month

Israel said to hit Iranian sites in Iraq, expanding strikes on missile shipments -- Times of Israel
In Major Shift, Israel Twice Struck Iranian Targets in Iraq 'Using F-35 -- Haaretz
Israeli Warplanes Expand Operations Against Alleged Iranian Targets to Iraq, Media Claims -- Sputnik
‘Israel Expands Scope of Strikes Against Iranian Assets in Middle East’ -- The Algemeiner
Here’s Everything We Know About The Alleged Israeli Air Force F-35 Air Strike on an Iranian Base in Iraq -- Aviationist
Did Israeli stealth fighters bomb Iraq? -- Arutz Sheva
Is Israel Flying F-35s In Iraq To Hit Iran Missile Shipments? -- Breaking Defense

Israeli Minister Admits That Israel Has Been 'Killing Iranians' In Syria

Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Syria against what it says are Iranian and Hezbollah military targets AFP/File

France 24: Israeli minister boasts his country has been 'killing Iranians'

An Israeli minister boasted Sunday that his country was the only one that "has been killing Iranians", after tensions between Britain and Iran rose in the Gulf.

Regional Cooperation Minister Tzachi Hanegbi's comments to public radio were a reference to Israeli strikes in neighbouring Syria against Iranian and Hezbollah military targets.

But they came after Iran seized a British-flagged tanker on Friday, adding to tensions between Washington and Tehran linked to a 2015 nuclear deal.

Hanegbi accused Iran, Israel's main enemy, of seeking to create "chaos" and "harm freedom of navigation."

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WNU Editor: this is one of those admissions that is surprising no one.

Iran's Foreign Minister Accuses Israel And The U.S. Of Seeking War

Reuters: Iran's Zarif accuses Israel, U.S. of seeking war

MUNICH (Reuters) - Iran’s foreign minister on Sunday accused Israel of looking for war and warned that its actions and those of the United States were increasing the chances of a clash in the region.

Addressing the Munich Security Conference, Mohammad Javad Zarif, also criticized the U.S. administration after Vice President Mike Pence this week called on European powers to pullout of the nuclear deal with Iran. Zarif urged France, Germany and Britain to do more to save that accord.

“Certainly, some people are looking for war ... Israel,” Zarif said. “The risk (of war) is great. The risk will be even greater if you continue to turn a blind eye to severe violations of international law.”

Accusing Israel of violating international law after bombing campaigns in Syria, Zarif criticized European powers for not calling out Israel and the United States for their behavior in the region.

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More News On Iran's Foreign Minister Accusing Israel And The U.S. Of Seeking War

Iran's Zarif accuses Israel, US of seeking war -- CNBC/Reuters
Iran and Israel trade rebukes at Munich Security Conference -- DW
Israel ‘looking for war’ as US seeks to overthrow our government, says Iranian foreign minister -- The Independent
Iranian FM: Risk of war with Israel is great -- Arutz Sheva/AFP
Iranian FM Zarif says Israel 'looking for war' -- Al Jazeera
Iran says greater risk of war with Israel, launches new cruise missile sub -- Jerusalem Post
Iran’s Zarif says there is ‘great risk’ of war with Israel -- Times of Israel