Washington is preparing for an Iranian retaliatory attack within 48 hours, but hopes to achieve a diplomatic solution that will prevent escalation; Iranian official tells CNN: "Calls for a ceasefire are a hoax." He threatened that the war could last up to two years: "We are ready for that."
The U.S. estimates that Iran may carry out a revenge attack against American forces stationed in the Middle East as early as Tuesday or the day after, Reuters reported Monday afternoon, citing two American officials who noted that Washington still hopes to reach a “diplomatic solution” that would prevent Tehran from executing its promise of revenge for the bombing of its nuclear sites—a response that President Donald Trump has vowed would be met with much stronger U.S. strikes.
In light of the calls for revenge, the U.S., as well as Britain and China, issued warnings Monday afternoon to their citizens remaining in Qatar, advising them to remain in place until further notice, "out of an abundance of caution." The U.S. embassy in Qatar sent an email to American citizens with the guidance, without further details, and the British issued a similar warning shortly afterward. The Chinese embassy in Qatar called on its citizens in the country to "increase precautions." (Read More)
