Israel National News reports: “Iran has reportedly prepared missiles and other military assets for potential strikes against US bases across the Middle East, signaling a significant escalation should the United States join Israel’s ongoing conflict with the Islamic Republic, The New York Times reported on Tuesday.

According to intelligence reports reviewed by US officials, Tehran’s preparations are a direct response to the prospect of American involvement. The United States has already deployed approximately three dozen refueling aircraft to Europe, assets that could support fighter jets protecting American bases or extend the range of bombers in any potential strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, noted The New York Times.

Concerns are particularly heightened regarding the Fordow nuclear facility, the report stated. Should the US participate in a strike on Fordow, American officials warn that Iranian-backed Houthi militias would ‘almost certainly resume striking ships in the Red Sea,’ while pro-Iranian militias in Iraq and Syria would likely target US bases.

Further escalation could see Iran mining the Strait of Hormuz, a tactic aimed at trapping US warships in the Persian Gulf…”