"Iran May Attack Israel Before US Presidential Election"

On the 30th (local time), CNN reported, citing a senior Iranian source, that Iran may carry out retaliatory attacks against Israel before the U.S. presidential election scheduled for the 5th of next month.

The source conveyed Iran's official stance, stating that "the Islamic Republic of Iran's response to the aggression of the Zionist regime (Israeli government) will be definitive and painful." The source also said that Iran's counter-retaliation will "probably occur before the U.S. presidential election."

CNN pointed out that this statement differs from Iran's previous attempts to downplay the severity of the situation following Israel's attack on military facilities. Last weekend, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei responded cautiously to Israel's airstrikes, saying, "It should neither be exaggerated nor downplayed."

The United States holds the position that Iran should not retaliate against Israel's airstrikes. White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said during a briefing that day, "Iran should not respond to Israel's retaliation," adding, "If Iran decides to respond, the U.S. will be on standby to assist Israel's defense."

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, also reaffirmed the same position. When asked whether Iran had communicated to the U.S. its intention to carry out retaliatory attacks against Israel before November 5, he did not answer directly but emphasized, "This conflict should not be escalated."