Awaiting Iran's Next Move
- Robert Sherman
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
I remember during the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, when we were all seeing images of American cities empty and devoid of life. Perhaps most striking was Times Square in Manhattan, without a soul on the streets or a car on the road.
As I look out on Tel Aviv on Monday morning, I have a similar impression. This city, which is often compared to Miami Beach, is practically lifeless. There are few cars on the highways, empty beaches and boardwalks. Some small business owners have not even bothered to open their doors.
The official guidance from the Homefront Command has put the country at its highest level of alertness. Schools are closed, and it’s encouraged not to go out and about unless absolutely necessary.
Waiting for Iran
Twice throughout the night, we were woken up to the sound of sirens and had to head to the bomb shelters. There have now been three of these episodes in Tel Aviv since the U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. The first one, definitely the most jolting, pounded Haifa and central Israel, injuring more than 80.
Everyone here knows that’s just the tip of Iran’s response.“The era of unchecked impunity has come to an end,” Reza Najafi, Iran’s permanent representative to the U.N., said Monday. “As long as the source of the threat persists, the Islamic Republic of Iran will continue to undertake necessary, resolute, and proportionate measures to neutralise it at a time, place and manner of its own choosing.”
An ominous response that allows the mind to wander: What will Iran’s response look like? Direct strikes on U.S. forces in the region? Galvanizing Iranian-backed militias in Iraq and Syria? Heavy firepower used on Israel?Or could it be economic? There’s the possibility Iran tries to close off the Strait of Hormuz, which is a major trade artery when it comes to oil — accounting for about 20% of the world’s consumption. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Iran against taking this action, calling it “economic suicide.”
In the Meantime
The Israeli Air Force is pounding away at Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities. This has been outlined as a key objective of their operations as those missile threats are viewed as highly formidable.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the nation Sunday, said that ballistic missile production was one of the key reasons they began striking Iran in the first place.
“They were actually developing a plan to develop 300 ballistic missiles a month that’s 20000 missiles in 6 years,” Netanyahu claimed. “Can you imagine our country the size of New Jersey — would it survive with 20,000 one-ton missiles falling on the heads of its citizens? Obviously not.”
Today, the Israelis hit the gates of Evin prison in apparent hopes of aiding the prisoners there in escaping. The site is known for housing Western prisoners and journalists whom the regime uses as bargaining chips. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar wrote, “Viva la libertad, carajo!” and tagged Argentinian President Javier Milei — a slogan of his which translates to “long live freedom, damnit.”
Final Word
Be careful. While trying not to sound like an alarmist, I feel compelled to say those two words. The State Department issued an alert this weekend advocating for “worldwide caution.”
The U.S. Embassy in Lebanon has ordered departures for family members and non-emergency personnel.
The Gulf States are on high alert, but so are European and American cities.
I wish I could tell you what will happen in the coming days and weeks. I don’t have that crystal ball, but an extra dose of vigilance and care as you take those summer holidays and evening out could go a long way.
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