Iran's IRGC is conducting military exercises from August 9-14. (Source: WANA)

On August 11, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported that the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is conducting military exercises from August 9-14 in the western province of Kermanshah, bordering Iraq.

The IRGC representative said the exercise aimed to enhance combat readiness and raise vigilance.

The drills took place as Iran announced it would retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. Iran and Hamas accused Israel of being behind the incident, while Israel neither admitted nor denied the accusation.

Meanwhile, in Israel, the Walla news site cited sources saying that the country predicted that Iran would directly attack Israel in the coming days, before the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and the hostage exchange, scheduled for August 15, in retaliation for the assassination.

Israeli intelligence assessments also show Iran's adjustment from previous days. Iran is reconsidering its strong response to the assassination of the Hamas leader due to pressure from the international community.

According to the source, the issue of retaliation is causing internal divisions within Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian wants to avoid a harsh response, while the IRGC wants to launch a major attack. Currently, there is no consensus within Iran on this issue.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on August 11 that Iran and Hezbollah have "threatened to cause unprecedented damage in ways they have never used in the past. Whoever does that should expect that we will respond in ways we have never done before"...

"We have significant capabilities. I hope they will take this into account and not start a war on other fronts," the Israeli official also warned.