New Delhi:
Iran or its proxies are “increasingly likely” to launch an attack on Israel in the coming days, the White House has warned, citing intelligence. The potential attack “could happen as early as this week”, spokesman John F Kirby announced. The warning comes despite the Israeli military's reported “peak readiness” in anticipation of a retaliatory strike.
The Middle East is on high alert after Iran vowed to retaliate against Israel for two recent attacks. On July 31, Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismael Haniyeh in Tehran, followed by an airstrike on Hezbollah's senior commander, Fuad Shukr, in Lebanon.
As tensions simmer, five world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, urged 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 to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have taken direct steps to address the crisis. They have both contacted newly elected Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to bring this military escalation under control.
Ceasefire talks brokered by Egypt and Qatar are expected to resume on Thursday, but a White House spokesman said talks could be delayed if Iran were to launch an attack.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has stepped up patrols over neighboring Lebanon and continues to strike targets daily. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari announced increased air patrols over Lebanon, home to Hezbollah, and continued strikes on targets to “eliminate threats.”
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi conducted a situation assessment with top military leaders, focusing on maintaining a high level of readiness for both “offense and defense.”
The US Pentagon has also reinforced its commitment to the region. Pentagon spokesman General Patrick Ryder confirmed that Defense Secretary Lloyd J Austin III has ordered the deployment of the guided-missile submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East, along with additional fighter jets and missile defense ships.