Anxiety grows over potential Iranian response to recent killings

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been informed by national security officials that it remains unclear when Iran and Hezbollah might launch an attack on Israel, according to a U.S. official.

Reports suggest that Iranian retaliation or Hezbollah's response to the recent killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah military chief Fouad Shukr could be imminent, though Iran has not disclosed its plans. Biden and Harris were also told there is limited information about the specifics of any potential attack.

In response to rising tensions, the U.S. has urged other countries to convey to Iran that escalation in the Middle East would not be in its interest, a State Department spokesperson said Monday. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the current situation as a "critical moment" for the region.

Blinken assured that Washington is engaged in "intensive diplomatic efforts, day and night" to de-escalate the situation amid concerns over potential Iranian retaliation following Haniyeh's death last week. He emphasized that all parties must avoid escalation, which could lead to more conflict and violence.

Iran has vowed "severe punishment" for Israel over the killings of Haniyeh and Shukr. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for Haniyeh's death, it has vowed to dismantle Hamas following the group's attack on southern Israel on October 7, which sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Biden and Harris have been briefed on U.S. military measures to protect American forces and respond to any attacks, including recent rocket strikes on the Al Asad airbase in Iraq that injured at least five U.S. soldiers. They were also updated on U.S. efforts to support Israel’s defense and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and seek a ceasefire in Gaza.

Blinken has called on all parties to end the cycle of violence and agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, despite the challenges posed by Haniyeh's assassination. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas criticized the killing as a tactic to prolong the Gaza conflict and complicate peace negotiations. Abbas plans to visit Russia from August 12 to 14, according to Russian news agency RIA.

[Information sourced from Reuters, AFP]