Iran has rebuffed requests from Western nations to avoid retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. Iranian state media quoted President Masoud Pezeshkian stating that a retaliatory response is both a “legal right” of Iran and a necessary measure to combat crime.
In the wake of heightened tensions, Israeli military forces have reached their highest alert level, although Israel has not formally acknowledged involvement in Haniyeh’s assassination. The UK Prime Minister, in a rare phone call with Pezeshkian, urged Iran to cease its threats of military aggression.
Amid ongoing international diplomatic efforts aimed at diffusing the situation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has chosen to delay his planned trip to the Middle East, which was intended to engage in discussions about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Tensions are further compounded by Hezbollah in Lebanon, which is also threatening retaliation for the death of one of its commanders in an Israeli airstrike.
The United States has signaled its concern over the potential for significant retaliatory actions from Iran or its affiliates, bolstering its military presence in the region to support Israel’s defense. On Monday, leaders from the UK, France, and Germany issued a joint plea, urging Iran and its allies to avoid escalating regional conflicts.
The leaders emphasized that any actions that compromise peace and stability will have consequences. Following this, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reiterated his concerns during his call with Pezeshkian, highlighting the dangers of miscalculations in the current climate.
In response, Pezeshkian conveyed that Western support for Israel has fueled ongoing violence and poses threats to global peace. He contended that a lawful response to aggression is justified and essential to stop future violence.
The Iranian foreign ministry reaffirmed its dismissal of Western demands for restraint, labeling them as contrary to international laws and logic. The Israeli military expressed high alertness in the face of possible threats, stating readiness for both offensive and defensive actions.
US officials echoed concerns shared with Israeli counterparts, noting that any Iranian strikes or proxy actions may occur imminently. In response, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has deployed additional military assets to the region, emphasizing the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security.
The US advocates for a ceasefire in Gaza alongside negotiations to secure the release of Israeli hostages as a pathway to de-escalation. Israel is prepared to send negotiators for this purpose, while Hamas has expressed its willingness to engage in talks based on previous agreements, despite recent tensions following Haniyeh’s assassination.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, which led to significant casualties in Israel, tensions have surged. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports over 39,920 fatalities since the onset of Israel’s military response, with ongoing skirmishes reported along the Israel-Lebanon border adding to the conflict’s toll.