Israel's intelligence community now believes that Iran is preparing to launch a direct attack on the country in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the coming days, according to a report by Barak Ravid from Axios on Sunday.
Two sources familiar with the situation suggest that this attack could occur within days, potentially even before the upcoming August 15 talks on a hostage and ceasefire deal. This assessment marks a shift from earlier views, which suggested that international pressure was deterring Iran from taking direct action. However, internal debates within Iran, particularly between the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and the new president's administration, continue to influence the decision-making process. The Revolutionary Guard reportedly advocates for a more aggressive response, while the president's advisors are urging caution. On August 4, a similar report from Axios suggested that Iran's retaliatory attack on Israel could be expected as soon as Monday, August 5.
