"Iran Claims Warning Before Attack on Israel, US Disputes Claim"

 On Saturday, Iran responded to a suspected Israeli attack on its Syrian embassy with a barrage of drones and missiles. 

 Residents and a police officer check out the leftover rocket booster near Arad, Israel, on April 14, 2024. (PHOTO: REUTERS)

Turkish, Jordanian, and Iraqi officials stated on Sunday that Iran provided extensive notice days before its drone and missile assault on Israel. However, US officials countered, asserting that Tehran did not alert Washington and intended to inflict considerable damage.

Iran launched a retaliatory strike on Saturday, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles following a suspected Israeli attack on its embassy compound in Syria. While most of the drones and missiles were intercepted before reaching Israeli territory, there was a critical injury to a young girl, sparking concerns of further escalation.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, claimed that Iran had given neighboring countries and the United States, Israel's ally, a 72-hour notice before launching the strikes. Turkey's Foreign Ministry confirmed communication with both Washington and Tehran before the attack, serving as an intermediary to ensure proportional reactions.

A Turkish diplomatic source noted that Iran specified the retaliation as a response to Israel's embassy attack in Damascus and assured it wouldn't escalate further. However, a senior official from the Biden administration refuted Amirabdollahian's statement, stating that while there was contact with Iran through Swiss intermediaries, there was no 72-hour advance notice or indication of specific targets for evacuation.    

The United States received a message from Tehran only after the strikes had begun, indicating an intent for significant destruction, according to an official. This contrasts with Iran's claim of widespread warning, possibly aimed at compensating for minimal damage inflicted by the attack.

"We received a message from the Iranians during the attack, conveyed through the Swiss. It suggested they considered the attack concluded, although it was still ongoing," stated the US official.

Iraqi, Turkish, and Jordanian officials confirmed Iran's early warning last week, providing some details. The assault, involving drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, posed a risk of substantial casualties and escalation.

US officials had anticipated an imminent attack on Friday and Saturday, urging Iran against it. President Biden succinctly stated his message to Tehran: "Don't."

Escalation:

Iran utilized diplomatic channels to inform Baghdad about the impending attack at least three days beforehand, as confirmed by two Iraqi sources. While the exact timing remained undisclosed initially, Iraqi security and military authorities received the information hours before the strikes, enabling Baghdad to close its airspace and prevent potential accidents.

According to an Iraqi security official, Iranian officials made it clear to the government that the US military in Iraq was also aware of the impending attack. Additionally, a senior Jordanian official revealed that Iran had convened Arab envoys in Tehran on Wednesday to notify them of its intention to launch an attack, although the timing was not specified.