Iran is preparing for a full-fledged attack on Israel, reports US media.
As Hamas and Hezbollah would also back the attack, Tehran is also seeking Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq.
US warships are moving to defend Israel, reports say, without mentioning the time period. Will Iran respond to Israel this way is a question?
Many believe Iran has left with no option but to attack Israel, following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh.
But it could be more detrimental to Iranian sovereignty, they also fear.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says “Iran will bring Ismail Haniyeh’s assassinator to justice as it is mandatory. Those who murdered the Iranian official guest in the daylight in the presence of foreign dignitaries could never be left unanswered. They will be given harsh punishment. It was our duty to seek revenge for his blood as he was martyred in the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His blood would never go to waste.”
This public stance of Iran’s top leader perhaps will not change. Tehran has already lost its consulate in Damascus and its military General – Qassim Suleimani – in Israeli attack.
Iranian president Masood Pezeshkian said, “The Zionists will see the consequences of their cowardly terrorist act. We will answer Haniyeh’s assassination in best way. Iran has to answer it.”
If Iran doesn’t retaliate back then what is left for it is also a question?
Diplomacy:
As the US is anticipating the war, Washington has also reiterated support for its ally—Israel.
US President Joe Biden has contacted Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on phone. His Secretary of State Antony Blinken has contacted the Saudi Foreign Minister. KSA and Turkey in turn demanded ever-lasting peace in Gaza.
The Russian Foreign Minister contacted the Iranian leadership to discuss the situation.
China, Russia, Turkey, Pakistan, African countries, and the Middle East have strongly condemned Ismail Haniyeh’s murder. They called it an intrusion into the sovereignty of Iran, offering support. Many believe Israel and the US will be responsible if war breaks out.
Russia, China, Pakistan and Turkey have friendly relations with Iran. They would not allow attack on Iran as Tehran is aware of these facts. Now the situation for both America and Israel would be different if such disturbance takes place. Neither the public nor the governments of the regional countries would support the US-backed Israel aggression on Iran.
Hamas and Hezbollah have also vowed revenge for the murder of Haniyeh.
This clash can be avoided if Israel gets back from Gaza and America stops arming Israel.
“We fear the region is at the brink of all-out war,” Japan’s deputy UN representative, Shino Mitsuko, said. China, Russia, Algeria, and others condemned Haniyeh’s assassination.
China’s ambassador said failure to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza was the reason behind the worst situation.
The Russian Federation, Council President for July, said the act of assassinating Haniyeh was extremely dangerous and a step toward an escalation in the Middle East. Algeria condemning Haniyeh’s assassination stated, “It is not merely an attack on one man, but a vicious assault on the very foundations of diplomatic relations, the sanctity of State sovereignty and the principles that underpin our global order.”
(By Rana Kashif)
