Five world leaders have called on Iran to “stand down” in a joint statement supporting ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas.
New Delhi: The White House has warned that Iran or its proxies are “increasingly likely” to launch an attack on Israel in the coming days, with the potential for this to occur as soon as this week, according to spokesperson John F. Kirby. This alert comes despite the Israeli military’s reported “peak readiness” in preparation for a possible retaliatory strike.
The Middle East is on high alert following Iran’s vow to retaliate against Israel for recent attacks: on July 31, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran, and subsequently, an airstrike targeted Hezbollah’s senior commander, Fuad Shukr, in Lebanon.
In response to rising tensions, five world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have called on Iran to “stand down” and issued a joint statement supporting ceasefire efforts between Israel and Hamas. The US, UK, France, Germany, and Italy are working together to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have taken proactive measures to address the crisis by reaching out directly to Iran’s newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging him to manage the military escalation.
Ceasefire discussions, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, are slated to resume on Thursday. However, according to the White House spokesperson, these talks may be delayed if Iran proceeds with an attack.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has ramped up patrols over neighboring Lebanon and continues to conduct daily strikes. Military spokesperson Daniel Hagari reported that air patrols over Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based, have been intensified, and strikes on various targets are ongoing to “eliminate threats.”
The Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Herzi Halevi, held a strategic review with senior military leaders, emphasizing the need to maintain high readiness levels for both “offensive and defensive” operations.
In addition, the Pentagon has reaffirmed its commitment to the region. Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder announced that Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has ordered the deployment of the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East, along with additional combat aircraft and missile-defense ships.
