Tehran has several plans for responding to a threatened retaliatory strike by Israel, depending on its severity, and might also do nothing, insiders say.

The Iranian government has ordered its armed forces to be prepared for war with Israel. At the same time, Tehran is attempting to avoid direct confrontation, even at the cost of dismantling affiliated groups in Lebanon and Gaza,

As the crisis in the Middle East deepens and the conflict between Iran and Israel escalates, China is worried about the future of the region.

Israel may now be more willing to risk war with Iran after the barrage earlier this month targeted civilian areas in addition to military ones. The longstanding framework of deterrence appears to have collapsed, leaving each country in danger of misjudging the other’s response and overstepping at each turn.

Iran is bracing for a retaliatory attack by Israel, which analysts say will probably target military sites rather than nuclear or oil facilities.

The two countries have been fighting a shadow war for years. But direct attacks are bringing direct reprisals, or at least plans for them.

"The release of the American documents delayed the operation, as there was a need to adjust certain strategic and tactical elements," said a source familiar with the matter from intelligence circles,

By bne Tehran bureau Iran believes Israel will launch a retaliatory strike against the Islamic Republic by October 31 in response to Iran's recent missile attack, London-based Asharq al-Awsat reported on October 24,