NEW DELHI: Iran is likely to launch a direct attack on Israel in the next 24 to 48 hours, as per a report.

According to a report published in The Wall Street Journal, the attack can happen within the next 24 to 48 hours. 

As per the outlet, a person who was briefed by leaders of the Iranian regime emphasised that no final decision has been taken on the attack, however, it has been discussed.

“The strike plans are in front of the Supreme Leader and he is still weighing the political risk,” said an adviser to Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Meanwhile, Iran has hinted to the United States that it will respond to the attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus in a way that no 'major escalation' takes place and that no hasty decisions will be taken, as reported by Reuters, citing Iranian sources. 

This new stance of Iran comes into the limelight at a time when Tehran has been pressing for various demands, including a Gaza truce. 

According to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian conveyed Iran's message to Washington while visiting the Gulf Arab state of Oman - a country that has generally played the role of an intermediary between Tehran and Washington.

As reported by Reuters, a US intelligence official said that Iran has “been very clear” that its retaliation to the attack on the embassy would be “controlled” and “non-escalatory” and planned “to use regional proxies to launch a number of attacks on Israel.”

On Wednesday (April 10), Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Israel "must be punished and it shall be".

Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson confirmed that the US had clarified to Iran about its non-involvement in the strike on the embassy.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the country, apart from the Gaza war, is also preparing for other scenarios. "Whoever harms us, we will harm them. We are prepared to meet all of the security needs of the State of Israel, both defensively and offensively," Netanyahu said.

Speaking at a press conference, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said, Israel is “on alert and highly prepared for various scenarios, and we are constantly assessing the situation." 

We are ready for attack and defence using a variety of capabilities that the IDF has, and also ready with our strategic partners,” he added, as he referred to the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), Gen. Michael Kurilla who reached Israel on Thursday morning (April 11) to assess the ongoing security challenges in the region with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi.

Various countries - including Britain, Germany and Russia - have appealed to nations in the Middle East to show restraint amid escalating tension.