Israeli security sources have revealed to ABC News and CNN that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a set of targets for potential strikes on Iran. These strikes are seen as imminent retaliation following the major Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel on October 1.
Although no specific timeline has been given, reports indicate that the retaliatory strikes are expected before November 5, just ahead of the U.S. presidential election. “American officials expect Israel will retaliate against this month’s Iranian attack before November 5,” CNN reported, noting that this could thrust the Middle East into even greater volatility just days before the election. Russia and China are among the few global powers urging restraint and calling for de-escalation.
Beijing’s concerns were communicated during a call between the Chinese and Israeli foreign ministers earlier this week. The Chinese side also condemned attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), following reports that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had wounded two UN peacekeepers. China reiterated its call for an immediate, complete, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
While reports suggest that Israel’s strike on Iran could happen at any moment, Russia has issued the most forceful warnings so far. On Thursday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned Israel against even considering an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities or infrastructure.
“We have repeatedly warned and continue to caution [Israel] against even hypothetically considering the possibility of a strike on nuclear facilities and nuclear infrastructure in Iran,” Ryabkov said, as reported by TASS. “Such an attack would be catastrophic and a complete violation of international nuclear safety norms.”
Despite Netanyahu’s assurances to the White House that any Israeli action would target only Iranian military sites, reports from Israel suggest that all options remain on the table.
Russia and Iran have strengthened ties on both economic and military fronts in recent years. Western nations have accused Tehran of transferring ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war in Ukraine—allegations that both Russian and Iranian officials have denied.
However, the U.S. and European Union have used these accusations to justify new sanctions on top Iranian defense officials. These sanctions supposedly target individuals and companies involved in alleged arms transfers, including Iran Air, Saha Airlines, and Mahan Air.
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