Authorities in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon opened public shelters today amid concerns about a possible US attack against Iran, Anadolu reports.

The Ashkelon municipality in a statement posted on its Telegram account said the decision came after declaring a state of maximum alert late Wednesday due to rising regional tensions.

“There is currently no warning or concrete indication of a direct threat to the city. of Ashkelon,” the municipality said, adding that the measure aims to “increase residents’ sense of security”.

The decision followed an announcement by the Israeli army late Wednesday that it had increased its defense readiness and was closely monitoring regional developments. The announcement prompted the municipalities of Beersheba, Gan Yavne and Dimona in southern and central Israel to open public shelters that evening.

U.S. and Israeli pressure on Tehran has intensified since anti-government protests erupted in Iran on Dec. 28 over worsening economic and living conditions.

Israel’s public broadcaster said Wednesday that Israeli assessments indicate the U.S. may target Iran “in the coming days,” adding that Israel expects to receive advance notice several hours before any attack.

Israeli officials have repeatedly accused Iran of rebuilding its ballistic missile capabilities damaged in a 12-day war in June. Israel has sought US approval to target Iran again, according to Israeli media.

Israel and Iran consider each other sworn enemies and for years have traded accusations of sabotage operations and cyber attacks.

Source: prizrenpost