Tehran: The British newspaper “Telegraph” has reported that Iran’s military has heightened its air defense systems, deploying additional defenses in preparation for a potential joint attack by Israel and the United States.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Iranian government has been reinforcing the defenses of its key nuclear and missile sites, including the deployment of extra defensive launchers. Two high-ranking government sources informed that the Islamic Republic is on high alert, with expectations of an imminent attack. The strengthening of nuclear facilities has been ongoing for years but has intensified over the past year, especially after an initial Israeli raid.

One of the sources highlighted concerns within Tehran regarding potential involvement of the United States in an Israeli strike. The Iranian authorities are reportedly on full alert, even in covert facilities.

The “Telegraph” also reported that Brigadier General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Aerospace Force, has stated Iran’s ongoing efforts to develop a ballistic missile defense system, expected to be operational by March. This system is intended to protect Tehran and other major cities. Hajizadeh also mentioned that Iran possesses missiles with a 2,000-kilometer range but is not restricted from extending this range further.

In a related development, on the night of October 26, 2024, Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian military targets, following an Iranian missile attack on Israel earlier the same day. Satellite data cited by Western media indicated significant damage to Iranian missile production sites and air defense systems as a result of the Israeli strikes.

Previously, The Wall Street Journal cited American intelligence sources suggesting Israel was planning attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities this year, with US President Donald Trump being apprised of the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his intention to “end the Iranian file.”