US Officials Warn of Iran’s Imminent Response to Midnight Hammer Strikes

Iran is likely to launch retaliatory strikes against US forces in the Middle East within the next 48 hours, escalating tensions further following airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last weekend. While the Trump administration continues diplomatic efforts to prevent further conflict, two American officials speaking to Reuters stated that intelligence assessments indicate an immediate ‘response’ within one or two days. Tehran has vowed retaliation after the US strikes on multiple targets, including its nuclear infrastructure, described by Washington as a preemptive measure to avoid unacceptable escalation. The attacks have raised fears of a broader military conflict between the long-term adversaries. President Donald Trump, who authorized the mission dubbed Operation Midnight Hammer, warned that any Iranian retaliation would be met with ‘a force much greater than used in the U.S. strikes over the weekend.’ In precautionary moves, General Dan Kern, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, announced that the U.S. military has increased protective measures for troops in the region, including those stationed in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. maintains approximately 40,000 troops across the Middle East, many handling high-value assets such as air defense systems, fighter jets, and warships—all potentially vulnerable in case of coordinated Iranian strikes. Last week, the Pentagon began relocating some of these assets to reduce exposure. Among the movements was the withdrawal of aircraft from the sprawling Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses about 10,000 Americans and serves as a strategic hub for operations throughout the region. Despite vows of retaliation, Tehran has so far avoided attacking U.S. positions or attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about a quarter of global oil exports pass. Abd al-Rahim Mousavi, chief of the Iranian armed forces’ general staff, stated that the country would respond appropriately to the U.S. attack. “Regardless of the damage caused to the three nuclear installations, we will respond to the U.S. simply because they attacked our country,” Mousavi said. According to the Wall Street Journal, Israel plans to conclude its operation against Iran soon but continues targeting Iranian sites, including a prison holding political prisoners and opposition figures and entry points to the Fordow complex. Iranian clerical leaders face a perilous choice: retaliate against the U.S. and risk expanding the war with two militarily superior adversaries or return to nuclear talks, where concessions on nuclear enrichment and ballistic missile arsenals—two pillars of national sovereignty—may be required. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in what appeared to be his first comments since the U.S. attack, did not mention the U.S. but focused on Israel in a post on X. Israel made a ‘serious mistake’ and ‘is being punished right now,’ the post noted. European leaders urged Iran not to respond in a way that would ‘destabilize the region,’ while President Trump reiterated his demand that Iran agree to U.S. terms for a peace agreement, not ruling out supporting a leadership change in Iran.