As regional tensions mount, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has cautioned that an Iranian attack on Israel could occur within the next 48 hours. During a virtual meeting with G7 foreign ministers, Blinken emphasized that Washington is working to mitigate the impact of Iranian and Hezbollah attacks on Israel in an effort to break the cycle of conflict in the Middle East. However, he reaffirmed the Biden administration’s unwavering support for Israel.
John Finer, Deputy National Security Advisor, stated, “The United States has made it clear that it will defend Israel against any threats.” In light of potential escalations, he also advised American citizens in Lebanon to consider leaving while commercial flights are still operational.
In Tehran, President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, labeling it a “major mistake” by Israel. He stressed that such audacity would not go unanswered, urging the Muslim world to stand against these violations.
Ali al-Qahoum, a member of Yemen’s Ansarullah political office, echoed these sentiments in an interview with an Arab news network. He asserted that the response to Haniyeh’s assassination would not be limited to Iran alone but would come from all fronts aligned with the Axis of Resistance. “Israel and America are responsible for escalating conflicts in the region,” he remarked, pointing to the broader implications of recent attacks.
Following last week’s killings of Fawad Shukr, a military commander of Hezbollah, and Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas Leader, analysts warn that a direct confrontation between Iran and Israel appears increasingly likely. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for possible responses amidst calls for unity and retaliation among their respective allies in the region.
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