Iran is poised to attack Israel, officials say, which would fuel unrest in the Middle East

Iran is ready to launch airstrikes against Israel, two senior US officials said, echoing those of Israel Killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week in Lebanon.

A senior White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss security issues, said there were signs that Iran was preparing for an imminent ballistic missile attack.

“We are actively supporting defense preparations to defend Israel against this attack. “A direct military attack by Iran against Israel will have serious consequences for Iran,” the official said.

The threat builds on tensions across the region as Israel battles Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and continues its war against Hamas in Gaza – both groups backed by Iran.

Israel began on Monday a ground invasion in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military said it was targeting Hezbollah fighters. The Israeli offensive follows days of intensifying fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed more than 1,000 people and forced many civilians to flee their homes in less than two weeks, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry. The attacks targeted Hezbollah and its weapons, killing Nasrallah and several top officials. but they also killed many civilians.

Iran attacked Israel in April with over 300 drones and missiles, but almost all of the weapons were intercepted by Israel and its allies, including the United States. Some rockets caused some damage. Israeli officials said a 7-year-old girl was seriously injured and a military base in southern Israel suffered minor damage.

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