The US may be ready to target Iran’s nuclear facilities soon amid a bellicose exchange of threats between the two countries, ABC reported. Australia can apparently aid the mission, should an attack take place.
The outlet cites senior figures in the government of Malcolm Turnbull, who believe the United States is “prepared” to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites. The grim prediction suggests the move could happen as early as next month.
The report comes at a time when tensions between Washington and Tehran are hitting boiling point. In one of the latest exchanges of threats between the two nations, Iran said that a war with it would be the “mother of all wars.” This prompted Donald Trump to issue a harsh response, warning that Iran would face“consequences the likes of which few throughout history have ever suffered before.”
Australia, a member of global intelligence alliance known as the Five Eyes, is reportedly poised to play a part in the operation, providing its defense facilities to identify targets in Iran. The same assistance may be offered by the UK, while two other parties in the alliance – Canada and New Zealand – “would be unlikely to play a role in any military action in Iran,” according to ABC.
However, the outlet’s security sources noted the significant difference between a country directly participating in a mission, and providing intelligence on Iranian facilities.
“Developing a picture is very different to actually participating in a strike,” the unnamed security source said.