Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to prepare a new attack on Israel, according to The New York Times. Citing three Iranian officials, the report states that Khamenei’s decision was based on a recent assessment of the damage inflicted by Israel’s October 26 airstrikes, which targeted Iran’s missile production facilities, air defense systems, and critical infrastructure.

The unprecedented Israeli strikes on Iran’s defense capabilities, including its air defense and missile production facilities, were deemed by Khamenei as “too large to ignore.” Iranian military commanders are said to be preparing a list of potential targets in Israel, though the attack may be delayed until after the U.S. presidential election on November 5 to avoid influencing the vote, according to sources.

Earlier this week, sources in Jerusalem informed Axios that Israeli intelligence expects an Iranian strike originating from Iraq in the coming days. The anticipated attack would involve drones and ballistic missiles, presenting a new level of threat. On Thursday night, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepted two drones approaching from the east, a direction often referring to Iraq, signaling possible Iranian involvement.

The White House has also issued a caution to Tehran. Spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre stated on Wednesday that any retaliatory action from Iran would prompt U.S. support for Israel, warning Iran against escalating tensions further. Similarly, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller advised that “Iran should not respond,” underscoring the risk of escalation.

An anonymous source told CNN on Wednesday that Iran’s response would be “definitive and painful,” suggesting an imminent strike that could occur even before the U.S. election. This threat follows Iran’s initial attack on October 1, when the Islamic Republic launched 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, inflicting minor damage on an Israeli Air Force base despite most missiles being intercepted.

Israel’s October 26 response involved multiple waves of airstrikes targeting 20 critical sites across Iran, reportedly disabling radar systems essential to Iran’s ballistic missile operations and dealing a significant blow to Iran’s defense capabilities. Though Tehran initially downplayed the impact, Khamenei later admitted that the scale of the attacks warranted a response.

Jerusalem has made it clear that any further aggression from Iran will be met with a strong and decisive counterattack. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi warned, “If Iran makes the mistake of launching another missile barrage at Israel, we will strike very, very hard at their capabilities and at locations we have held back on this time.” source