Top US General in Middle East as Iran Threatens Retaliation Against Israel

Gen. Michael Kurilla, top U.S. general overseeing American forces in Middle East, arrived in region on Saturday amid rising concerns about a possible Iranian attack on Israel. trip, initially planned before recent escalations, comes as preparations intensify for a potential confrontation between Iran and Israel in response to recent assassinations of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leers.

timing of Gen. Kurilla's visit is critical. According to two U.S. officials cited in an Axios report, his trip aims to mobilize an international and regional coalition similar to one that defended Israel during an earlier Iranian attack on April 13. This coalition will be crucial if tensions escalate furr.

US and Israel fear an attack may be launched as early as Monday 

U.S. and Israeli officials anticipate that Iran may launch an attack on Israel as early as Monday. threats of retaliation from Iranian and Hezbollah leers come in response to killings of Hezbollah's top military commander, Fu Shukr, and Hamas political leer, Ismail Haniyeh.

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In preparation, Pentagon announced on Friday that U.S. is increasing its military presence in Middle East. This includes sending ditional warships and fighter jets to region. U.S. officials expect that any Iranian retaliation may follow a similar strategy to ir April 13 attack but could be more extensive and might involve Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

Biden ministration is facing challenges in rallying same international and regional support that was present during previous conflict. assassination of Haniyeh has sparked strong anti-Israel sentiments across region, potentially complicating efforts to form a unified coalition.

Gen. Kurilla's itinerary includes visits to several Gulf countries, Jordan, and Israel. Jordan's role will be particularly significant, as y played a crucial part during April 13 attack by intercepting Iranian drones and allowing U.S. and Israeli jets to use ir airspace. U.S. hopes Jordan will again assist if situation demands it.

As situation develops, presence of Gen. Kurilla and enhanced U.S. military posture underscore serious preparations underway to counter any potential Iranian aggression.