Is the strike on Iran getting closer?

Wars begin with words. All the indications refer that we have reached the hardest stage of the Israeli decision to strike Iran and Iran itself expects this military strike in order to prevent it from having nuclear weapons. We are listening today to the drums of a war between the Israelis and the Iranians. It is better for us to believe that we are getting closer to the hard moments of the Israeli decision to strike Iran. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said last week that Iran did not exceed the red lines, yet it is inside the red zone. There are officials in the region who believe that we have reached a critical moment. There are other significant indicators such as the size of statements about the situation in Syria, without taking any action. This may suggest that the Israeli decision to direct a military strike against Iran is the reason behind hindering any progress in Syria. An Israeli military strike towards Iran shall influence the Syrian file, especially if Assad thinks of fighting against Israel to ease the pressure on Iran - which is expected. There is another important indicator that points to the imminence of the critical moment of strike - the latest Iranian military statements that show Iran’s Generals are convinced that the strike will inevitably happen and their reactions reflect confusion, more than confidence. Two days ago, there was an Iranian statement that if Israel attacked Iran, it shall mean the end of the Jewish state. However yesterday there was another statement by the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard stating that whenever it is proven that it is time for the Israeli strike, Iran shall make a preventive attack. The Iranian leader expected that the strike may lead to a third world war; although Iran said that the military strike would lead to the end of Israel. These latest Iranian statements, all within a week only, reflected the size of confusion and anxiety in Iran - especially the statement that stated Iran may respond with a preventive attack and that all the American objectives in the region will be targeted. This in particular serves Netanyahu in his political campaign in America to convince President Obama, who is engaged in the current Presidential elections, with the need to take an action against Iran immediately. However, the Iranian statements and movements may drag the whole issue in to another path and may hasten the strike which becomes closer. Whatever is said by the Iranians, the strike will definitely be destructive for Iran and this military action will be the first game to be played on their ground. The strike, if occurred, will be hard and shall change the rules of the game in the region. But is our region ready for such a severe storm which is about to blow? I surely hope so. If it is destined for this region and us to be like hostages in a war that we have nothing to do with, then it is Iran’s war to extend its power in our region. --- The views expressed by the author do not necessarily represent or reflect the editorial policy of Arabstoday.