O fficials within the US-led multinational coalition, reportedly preparing to counter an anticipated Iranian attack, have cautioned Israel against responding too forcefully, as per a Tuesday report. Unnamed officials advised Jerusalem to "think carefully before you attack in return," emphasizing that the objective is to avoid an all-out war.
In April, a massive drone and missile attack from Iran was thwarted by a coalition that included Israel, the United States, Britain, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.
Iran announced on Monday that Israel must be "punished" for the assassination of Hamas terror group leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran—an act allegedly carried out by Israel. Iran's threat of retaliation has heightened fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Additionally, the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah has threatened to strike Israel from Lebanon in response to the recent assassination of its military leader Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Reports suggest that these reprisals could occur imminently.
Citing unnamed US officials, The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has been moving missile launchers and conducting military exercises, signaling a potential attack in the coming days. However, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were briefed on Monday by their national security team that the exact timing of the potential attacks remains unclear.
During a national security meeting, Biden and Harris were updated on US military efforts to support Israel's defense against any further Iranian assaults. They also discussed ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions, including a ceasefire-hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.
In a related development, two US Navy vessels, the USS Laboon and the USS Cole, have moved into the Red Sea, repositioning US military assets ahead of the expected Iranian attack. The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier is also reportedly moving toward Israel.
On Monday night, explosions were reported in Iran’s Isfahan. The semi-official ISNA news agency attributed the blasts to “training activity,” though Israel allegedly carried out a strike in Isfahan in April in response to an Iranian attack.
Diplomatic efforts to rebuild the US-led defensive coalition are underway, with diplomats striving to mitigate the expected Iranian assault on Israel. In Washington, President Biden spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. Blinken also communicated with G7 counterparts and Iraq’s prime minister, urging all parties to refrain from escalation.
Iran has insisted that it does not seek to escalate regional tensions but feels compelled to "punish" Israel to prevent further instability. “Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only come with punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the adventurism of the Zionist regime,” stated Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, adding that action from Tehran was inevitable.
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