Defence expert Peter Jennings claims US strikes on Iran ‘highly likely' and could launch by end of week

Sky News AU

3 hours ago

A leading Australian defence expert has claimed the United States striking Iranian targets is 'highly likely' as tensions continue to escalate amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.
US President Donald Trump left the G7 summit in Canada early due to the Middle East crisis, with deadly strikes having been traded in the region since Iranian military and nuclear sites were hit last week.
The US is yet to officially become directly involved in the conflict, but Strategic Analysis Australia Director Peter Jennings has said the country has 'made no secret' that it is preparing to possibly step in.
'They are preparing the ground for military intervention. They're pushing aircraft and ships into the region, which makes that possible,' Mr Jennings told Sky News Host Chris Kenny on Wednesday evening.
The defence expert said 'along with everybody else,' he accepted the primary reason for American intervention would likely be for the US to use a 'bunker buster' bomb targeting Iran's Fordow nuclear facility, which is built into a mountain.
'Trump can choose not to do this, but I think it's highly likely that we will see some American strikes on those facilities, perhaps by the end of the week."
Meanwhile, President Trump has appeared to threaten Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an ominous message posted to his social platform Truth Social.
'We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target, but is safe there - We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now,' Mr Trump stated.
'But we don't want missiles shot at civilians, or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin. Thank you for your attention to this matter!'
Iran has affirmed that it will respond strongly if the US does become directly involved in the conflict, Reuters has reported.
The Australian Foreign Editor Greg Sheridan has blasted the US President for his remarks towards the Iranian Supreme leader, and said he thinks a targeted attack against the Ayatollah would be a 'foolish' move.
'That would just make him a martyr of Islam for all time. I think that's quite stupid and very strange remarks from Trump, as so many remarks of Trump's are,' Mr Sheridan told Sky News Peta Credlin on Wednesday.
'...But the more important stuff is that Trump is plainly moving all the logistics into place to join Israel in the battle if he wants to. That doesn't mean the decision is made, because Trump has never decided to do something until it happens.'